Management Team
Brad Rutherford
Chief Executive Officer
Brad has nearly 20 years’ experience in Fiji’s tourism and transport sectors. Since becoming CEO of SSCG in 2016, he has led the group’s growth and diversification, including its entry into resort accommodation.
Before moving to Fiji, Brad held management roles with Tourism Holdings Ltd in New Zealand and Australia. He holds diplomas in Travel & Tourism and Management and has completed executive leadership studies at Stanford and Harvard.
Divya
Chief Financial Officer
Divya joined SSCG in 2019 as Process Improvement Manager. Within a year, she was promoted to Chief Financial Controller in 2024. She oversees finances, contributes to strategy, and serves as Company Secretary.
With over 15 years’ experience, she began as a graduate auditor at KPMG and rose to Senior Audit Manager.
Divya holds a CPA (Australia) and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of the South Pacific.
Craig Mercer
Group General Manager - Hospitality Operations
Craig has overseen most of the group’s maritime, island and portside operations since 2010, during which time operations have expanded significantly, including the integration of Blue Lagoon Cruises.
Originally from South Africa, Craig is now a proud Fijian citizen. He holds a Higher Diploma in Nature Conservation and later moved into hospitality and property management, holding general and multi-property operational roles in the African safari industry.
Leigh Howard
Group General Manager - Operations & Customer Services
Leigh joined SSCG in November 2026, after an extensive leadership career across both the Australian and Fijian tourism industries, most recently holding roles as Chief Operating Officer of Tropica Group of Companies and Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Fiji.
Before that, Leigh was General Manager of ATS Pacific, a subsidiary of Helloworld Travel. Leigh is currently working towards completing his MBA.
Alyssa Field
General Manager -
Global Sales
Alyssa joined SSCG in 2017, managing Australian and New Zealand trade partners, and moved into her current role in 2019. She brings over 20 years’ travel and tourism experience, including senior roles in sales, product procurement, and operations. With extensive South Pacific knowledge, she is passionate about the region. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts and has helped develop several travel product and procurement systems.
Loretta St Julian-Ooms
General Manager -
Fiji & Asia Sales
Loretta joined SSCG in 2017 as Business Development Manager, overseeing the domestic market and trade partners before expanding into Asia. She also leads groups, conferences, and events.
Previously, she was Director of Sales with Fiji’s Sheraton and Westin Resorts. Loretta holds a Bachelor of Business in marketing and management, a Diploma in Travel & Tourism from Auckland University of Technology, and is a Director of Tourism Fiji.
Sonya Ridley
General Manager - Marketing
Sonya joined SSCG in 2019, bringing extensive marketing and advertising expertise gained over more than 15 years in the industry, with a particular focus on shopper marketing. Her experience has helped strengthen the company’s marketing approach and support its diverse brands. Sonya holds a Bachelor of Health Science, a Diploma in Event Management, and has completed studies in Executive Leadership.
Asena Naweilulu
General Manager - Reservations & Customer Services
Asena joined the team in January 2023 as Reservations Manager, bringing over 20 years’ experience in tourism and hospitality management. A goal-oriented, resourceful professional with strong strategic and leadership skills, she was promoted to her current position. She has studied leadership development and hospitality management and has continued her studies at the University of the South Pacific.
Neelna Ratna
General Manager - Marine Operations
Neelna was promoted to this newly formed Senior Management role in June 2024. Since joining SSCG from MSAF in 2016, she has been a vital member of the Operations team, leading daily marine operations and maintaining high compliance standards while helping the company achieve ISO accreditation.
Alalaini Naqoli
General Manager - People & Culture
Joining in December 2024, Alalaini brings 12 years of People & Culture experience across tourism, manufacturing, civil construction, and consultancy. She is a versatile, forward-thinking HR professional.
Passionate about developing and retaining talent, Alalaini is committed to fostering a people-first culture and supporting SSCG’s continued success in showcasing the best of Fiji.
John Ambler
General Manager -
Malamala Beach Club
John recently joined SSCG and Malamala Beach Club, bringing 14 years of experience across Fiji’s hospitality and aviation sectors. Originally from New Zealand, he now calls Fiji home and has extensive knowledge of South Pacific tourism markets.
Before moving to Fiji, John held sales, marketing, and management roles in New Zealand’s aviation and hospitality industries. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Marian Khan
General Manager -
South Sea Island
Marian joined the team in 2022, bringing strong leadership and food-and-beverage expertise to Malamala Beach Club. In 2026, she moved to South Sea Island, where she is drawing on her extensive experience to support the development of the island’s guest experience.
She has 20+ years of resort experience, including 16 years in the Mamanuca Islands. Before joining SSCG, Marian was Resort Manager at Castaway Resort Fiji.
Markus Nufer
Corporate Executive Chef
Markus joined SSCG in October 2021 in a newly created role overseeing food and kitchen teams across its food experiences.
A Fijian citizen, Markus has 30 years of international experience in the cruise, hotel, and resort industries, including 16 years with Crystal Cruises. His role previous to SSCG was as the executive chef at Castaway Resort Fiji.
Bryden West​
Chief Company Engineer
Bryden rejoined SSCG for the second time in 2023 and is responsible for all engineering aspects of the business, including strategic planning for fleet maintenance, particularly around heavy servicing and dry-docking. Bryden has been heavily involved with the recent fleet renewal program and is responsible for all fleet-related purchasing and third-party contractor support. Bryden has more than 30 years’ experience in similar roles across New Zealand.
Justin Smith
Marine Engineering Manager
Justin rejoined SSCG for the second time in 2025 to primarily oversee daily engineering requirements and our small vessel fleet. Justin has been involved in the marine industry within Fiji for most of his career and brings a wealth of maritime experience. Justin holds a Bachelor of Engineering.