The British Asian Trust has a motivated and energetic team with vast experience in the charity, business and development sectors both in the UK and South Asia.
Hitan Mehta
Executive Director 
Hitan Mehta has first-hand volunteer experience with the Indian NGO, BAPS and has organised the international launch of the film “Mystic India” and other large-scale fundraising events. He served as Head of Operations for The Prince’s Charities Events which organises commercial activities to raise money with a programme of music, sport, films and exhibitions. Hitan’s background and experience together with his law degree from London, Guildhall makes him the perfect fit for overseeing the Trust’s success.
Abha Thorat-Shah
Director
Abha Thorat-Shah is responsible for guiding the Trust’s development in both South Asia and the UK. She has extensive business development experience with a portfolio including Chief Operating Officer for UK India Business Council, Programme Manager for Asia House and Project Manager for a DFID-funded micro-finance project in Central India. She previously worked for Willis Re, one of the world’s biggest reinsurance brokers.Abha travels regularly to South Asia and works with local partners to identify and assess organisations for the Trust. She is a graduate of Cambridge University and St Xavier’s College, Mumbai and sits on the Boards of two arts charities in the UK - Tara Arts and the Jaipur Heritage Trust.
Rabia Nusrat
Programme Manager
Rabia Nusrat is responsible for managing the Trust’s funding. Her work involves identifying, monitoring and evaluating partner organisations and delivery charities for the Trust in South Asia and the UK. Rabia completed her MSc in International Policy Analysis from the University of Bath in 2002. She has previously been associated with the not-for-profit sector in Pakistan, where she successfully managed research and advocacy projects and contributed to policy developments within the education sector in Pakistan.
Madhu Rajesh
Development Director
Madhu is responsible for fundraising and business development at The British Asian Trust and brings on board extensive commercial experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.She began her career with Marriott International in Dubai and also worked for Hilton and Emirates Airlines there. Madhu spearheaded business development for a Dubai-based destination management company across the UK and pan-European markets. At Le Meridien in Lithuania, she focused on business development in the UK. It was during her MBA studies at INSEAD that Madhu developed a keenness for corporate social responsibility and opted for a career in the not-for-profit sector. She has been involved with Cartier’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives for over three years. Madhu joins The Trust from Vital Regeneration, a social regeneration charity in London.
Sukhmani Vig
Events Manager
Sukhmani Vig is responsible for planning, organising and managing events to raise funds, support and awareness for The British Asian Trust. She brings to the team extensive experience in public relations, marketing and account management. Sukhmani has worked for Media Moguls, a leading ethnic PR and marketing firm, and Weber Shandwick Global PR Agency. She has devised and delivered public and corporate events ranging from touring street theatre to red carpet premiers and VIP parties, including simultaneous events across the UK. Specialising in ethnic audiences, Sukhmani has worked with a range of business and charity clients as well as celebrities, sports heroes and journalists.
Rosemary J Brown
Communications Manager
Rosemary J. Brown is responsible for managing communications ensuring that we raise awareness and inspire support for The British Asian Trust. She has experience as a journalist, publications director and communications manager in Washington, DC, Paris and London. Passionate about international development, she has worked with a wide range of mission-based organisations including Leaders’ Quest Foundation, Rainforest Foundation, Save the Children, UNESCO and Green America.
Devashri Mukherjee
Consultant-India
Based in Mumbai, Devashri Mukherjee brings over two decades of experience in the Indian citizen sector. She has been involved in initiatives at an education resource center, a leading Indian funding agency, and one of the first education portals of India. At Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, she headed the India programme that brought social entrepreneurs into the Ashoka fellowship. Devashri holds a Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. In her spare time, she enjoys art museums and classical music.
