Chief Operating Officer – Mr. Stanley  Yala Khanna

Stanley Yala Khanna is a Papua New Guinean with significant experience in both the private sector and football management. He was born and raised in Papua New Guinea and holds impressive academic qualifications, including a Diploma in Business Accounting, which he earned in 2001 from Lae Polytechnic, as well as a bachelor’s degree in management from Divine Word University, obtained in 2012.

Khanna’s professional journey includes various leadership positions in both the private sector and sports administration in Papua New Guinea. He began his career as a Supply Chain Accountant at Coca-Cola Amatil PNG from 2007 to 2009, where he was involved in all supply chain activities within the company. He then transitioned to the role of National Sponsorship and Special Events Manager at Coca-Cola from 2009 to 2013, where he managed all sponsorships and events, both locally and internationally. Khanna’s professional journey includes various leadership positions in both the private sector and sports administration in Papua New Guinea. He began his career as a Supply Chain Accountant at Coca-Cola Amatil PNG from 2007 to 2009, where he was involved in all supply chain activities within the company. He then transitioned to the role of National Sponsorship and Special Events Manager at Coca-Cola from 2009 to 2013, where he managed all sponsorships and events, both locally and internationally.

From 2013 to 2014, he served as the Regional Brand and Events Manager at Digicel PNG. In this role, he was responsible for implementing Digicel’s common services and operational strategies. His focus was on achieving regional marketing goals through various brand initiatives and special events.

Khanna has exemplified outstanding management leadership. From 2016 to 2020, he excelled as the Regional Sales, Marketing, and Depot Manager for Welgris Fuel Distributors. During his tenure, he successfully developed new market segments and optimized fuel distribution to customers, significantly enhancing the company’s reach and efficiency.

Stanley Khanna has extensive experience in the corporate sector as well as significant involvement in football activities. He served as the Junior Vice President of the Lae Football Association from 2003 to 2004, where he oversaw all technical departments. In addition, he was the Team Manager for Gigira Laitepo, a franchise team participating in the National Soccer League (NSL) in Papua New Guinea. Khanna was a pioneer and a vital member in establishing the league, which was later renamed the Premier Soccer League (PSL). His strong leadership and management skills led to his appointment as the National Team Manager for the Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) during the Youth World Cup qualifiers. In 2010, he served as the National Team Manager for Papua New Guinea at the Youth Olympic Qualifier in Taupo, New Zealand. Earlier in his football career, he was involved in the Blue Kumuls Football Club in Lae, which competed in the Lae Football Association.

Currently residing in Lae, Stanley Khanna continues to advocate for prudent management and positive living within.