We are a small team that bears overall responsibility for managing the foundation. We love what we do, and we do it with a passion.
Dr. Koolesh Shah
Founder Trustee
Dr. Koolesh Shah, Co-Chair of Conservative Friends of India, was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East Anglia in recognition of his exceptional contributions to business, philanthropy, and education.
Koolesh’s parents migrated to the UK in 1954. Born and raised in Britain, he has single-handedly built London Town Group into a multimillion-pound business over 35 years, with three main pillars: Philanthropy, Technology, and Real Estate. He actively heads the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation, which encompasses both philanthropic and commercial initiatives, and is a founding investor and shareholder with a significant board position in an energy technology business unlocking the potential of battery technology, extending the green benefits of electric vehicles.
Through London Town Group’s commercial activities, the Family Foundation promotes excellence in every initiative it supports, with funding decisions based on expert review. Koolesh was recently named Philanthropist of the Year and previously awarded Hotelier of the Year at the Asian Business Awards.
A long-time devotee of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, Koolesh serves as Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Trust, providing funding to further their teachings in the UK. The Trust has introduced educational modules, sponsored exhibitions, produced films on their teachings, and promoted their philosophy and legacy.
Koolesh has been actively involved in the Jain community, serving as President of the Jain Social Group London from 1986 to 1996, an organisation with over 60,000 members and 425 groups worldwide. He was also a founder member of the Vanik Business Group, which helped the business community to engage and mutually flourish.Email: info@kooleshshahfoundation.org
Dr. Nikhil Shah
Trustee
Nikhil read Mathematics at the University of Cambridge before undertaking an industry-funded PhD at Imperial College in earth imaging technology for energy applications.
He is the CEO and co-founder of energy technology company S-Cube as well as co-founder of Hotel Cloud developing generative AI based revenue management solutions.
Nikhil won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award 2019 in association with State Bank of India at the annual Asian Business Awards in London.
In the same year, Nikhil also won the Young Entrepreneur of the year award by TiE handed by ICICI Bank.
His key interests are in meeting global energy demand, reducing emissions and sustainability of the planet’s environment.
Kavita Doshi
Trustee
Kavita is a Law graduate from the University of Cambridge, who moved to Nairobi from London 10 years ago.
In the UK she worked as a strategy management consultant specialising in retail and went on to learn the ropes at London Town Group, working through the operational, revenue management and reservations departments to expand her knowledge base.
Upon reaching Kenya, Kavita launched her own start up in the catering business, specialising in baked goods, and expanding it to 7 retail locations and a Nairobi wide delivery service.
Kavita then ventured into property development, developing two high end villas in Runda, and thereafter an 88,000 sq ft commercial complex names The Cube on Riverside Drive (completed February 2023). She is currently developing a townhouse scheme in Kitisuru, Nairobi.
Kavita has a passion for philanthropy, and launched a charitable foundation named Charity Connect in 2019 which carries out daily feeding programs across the city, channels donations to trusted, vetted projects within slum areas, and manages and runs several sustainability projects aimed at providing economic empowerment and enhancing education opportunities for those in need. In particular current projects include a women’s tailoring training center in Mathare, construction of transition homes for the rehabilitation of homeless children, borehole drilling in under privileged communities, vibrant kids club spaces at the Ngong Dumpsite providing hot meals, classical music lessons, choir and reading lessons for the children in the area.
Victoria Crampton
Foundation Coordinator
Victoria is responsible for the co-ordination of the foundation projects and programmes across the globe.
Victoria is passionate and dedicated to the charity with a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community. She has successfully organised and managed various charitable initiatives, cultivating relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners along the way.
Her ability to effectively communicate and inspire others has resulted in significant contributions and increased community engagement.
Victoria has been instrumental in building strategic partnerships and collaborations, leveraging resources and support for numerous causes. She possess excellent organisational and project management skills, ensuring that initiatives run smoothly and efficiently, benefiting those in need.
With an unwavering belief in the power of collective action, She continues to champion charitable causes, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.