Team

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.

Abha Thorat-Shah

DirectorAbha 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.

Hitan Mehta

Director, OperationsHitan 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 is also the 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 successful development and fundraising events.

Rabia Nusrat

Manager, PakistanRabia Nusrat is responsible for managing the Pakistan portfolio and travels there regularly to identify, monitor and evaluate partner organisations and charities for the Trust. She also supports the Trust’s work in 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.

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.