Trustees

Koolesh Shah

Founder Trustee

Koolesh’s parents migrated to the UK in 1954. He was born and raised in Britain, from humble beginnings Koolesh has single handedly built-up London Town Group into a multimillion business with three main pillars, philanthropy, technology and real estate over 35 years. Koolesh actively heads the family foundation encompassing the philanthropic and commercial activities and is also a founding investor and shareholder with significant position on the board in an energy technology business unlocking the potential of battery technology, helping to stretch the green benefits of electric vehicles. 

Through London Town Groups commercial activities, the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation has promoted ‘excellence’ in each activity supported, the decision-making is rigorous, with funding being provided based on expert review. 

He was recently awarded Philanthropist of the year, and previously named Hotelier of the Year at the Asian Business Awards.

Koolesh is a long time devotee of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. As Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Trust, he has provided funding to further the teachings of Sri Aurobindo in the UK.

Koolesh has been involved in the Jain community, having been President of the Jain Social Group London a role he held between 1986 and 1996. The organisation has over 60,000 members and 425 groups worldwide.

He was a founder member of the Vanik Business Group, which enabled the business community to further engage together 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.

Kalakant Shah, FCCA

Trustee

Since qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant in early 1970’s with a leading firm of London Chartered Accountants. He since worked with various financial and commercial enterprises, including nearly 15 years as Chief Group Accountant for a leading London Merchant Bank, a member of the Accepting Houses.

Having been invited, and felt privileged, to hold the office as one of the Trustees for the Aurobindo Trust and the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation, he had the opportunity to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville in Pondicherry, on several occasions, and became very much interested in the philosophy and the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. 

With his financial background Kalakant is able to contribute positively on matters of fund-raising activities, which in turn enable the Trusts to thrive, and fulfil its medium to long term philanthropic objectives.