Eran Shay
Role within the GFSB:
- Board Director
GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on:
- Tourism
- Maritime & Transport
Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions?
Eran is the founder of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd, an innovation consulting firm. I used to work for Deloitte for 15 years, 8 years in Israel heading the IPO Department and 7 years in Gibraltar heading the Financial Advisory Services department. I like to think outside the box and saw various opportunities in the marketplace and had ideas to do things in innovative ways; but the problem is that when you work for a big global organisation, you have to follow the Corporate guidelines and if it doesn’t tick their box, then you just can’t do it. So I decided it’s time to spread my wings and fly independently and do things my way. I set up Benefit Business Solutions consultancy firm in which we act as Innovation Consultants and assist local businesses to grow in innovative ways as well as act as Local Representatives for a wide spectrum of technology companies, from all over the world, helping them in setting up in Gibraltar and from here to expand to the bigger markets in Europe, UK and beyond. I hold a Masters degree in Banking & Finance from Middlesex University, London.
What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work?
Hiking, scuba diving, international travel.
Who are some individuals that have inspired you in your career, and why?
Richard Branson- for innovation, persistence and daring.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
Leaving the comfort of working for a big multinational corporate to start my own business was the biggest challenge of my career. Sourcing clients was the biggest hurdle initially, particularly because a big chunk of our services is focused on clients who are based outside Europe, such as our Local Representative services. My approach to overcoming this was to build a good network of contacts overseas and we did this practically by going out to the target markets themselves. We went on marketing trips to countries as far as Australia and New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, USA, and Israel, and we are continuing on doing so. Many of our clients are also in innovative sectors which are not so developed in Gibraltar, such as Green Energy, Fintech, Smart City Solutions, Homeland Security, Telecom, Biotechnology and Software development, so the lesson is that you really have to go out beyond your comfort zone, be aware of trends in new markets, attend relevant conferences and show your face out there in order to bring work.
Are you currently serving on other boards or bodies?
- President of the Gibraltar-Israel Chamber of Commerce
- Vice President of ESBA (European Small Business Alliance)
Team
Role within the GFSB: Co-opted Board Member Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? With over 20 years of experience in the financial services, insurance and gaming industries, A seasoned professional in corporate governance, company administration, and regulatory compliance. My career spans multiple jurisdictions, where I have consistently delivered strategic […]
Role within the GFSB: Business Manager Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I have over 25 years of experience in commercial business development, project management, sponsorship development and operational management. I am tertiary qualified with a Masters in Business and have worked in Australia and the UK within a […]
Role within the GFSB: Co-opted Board Member Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I’m the Managing Director of two limited companies based in Gibraltar: Barton Solutions Limited and Superfoods Limited. Under Superfoods, I’ve successfully launched and managed several consumer-facing brands, including Oakberry Gibraltar, Candy Castle, and SnackStation. My background […]
Role within the GFSB: Co-opted Board Member Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I began my banking career in 1996 at Barclays Gibraltar, where I remained for approximately 17 years. With a background in Information Technology, I played a key role in launching one of Gibraltar’s first online banking […]
Role within the GFSB: Chairperson (since March 2023) Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Entertainment & Creative Employment, Education & Training Financial & Professional Services Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I am a barrister and acting solicitor working in Gibraltar for the last 20 years. I […]
Role within the GFSB: Vice-Chairperson (since March 2023) Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Financial & Professional Services Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I am a chartered accountant and partner at PKF Canillas, which I joined in March 2021. Prior to that, I was an audit […]
Role within the GFSB: Treasurer (since March 2023) Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Financial & Professional Services
Role within the GFSB: Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Development & Built Environment Tourism Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? With a background in architecture and urban planning, I founded GreenCode, a consultancy dedicated to sustainable urban development. Our mission is to assist homeowners and developers […]
Role within the GFSB: Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Food, Retail & Consumer Tourism Maritime & Transport Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I began my career as a telecommunications engineer in 1986. Transitioning through roles in software and marketing, I eventually moved back to Gibraltar […]
Role within the GFSB: Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Employment, Education & Training Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I am an Executive Coach and Consultant who has for the last 20 years been working with senior leaders and CEOs to build high-performing leadership teams. I […]
Role within the GFSB: Co-opted Board Member GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Entertainment & Creative Development & Built Environment
Role within the GFSB: Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Employment, Education & Training Equality & Wellbeing Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I first qualified as a physiotherapist at The University of Nottingham in 2005, after which I established my own physiotherapy clinic and developed my […]
Role within the GFSB: Co-opted Board Member GFSB portfolio(s) your currently sit on: IT, Digital Services & Gaming Equality & Wellbeing Tourism Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? (Bio/CV) 1961-1970: UK; Savile Row Tailor/designer/pattern creator. Micro business owner. 1965-20; Served on numerous trade and other professional bodies. 1970-2010: UK; […]
Role within the GFSB: Board Director GFSB portfolio(s) you currently sit on: Financial & Professional Services Maritime & Transport Can you provide an overview of your professional background including key positions? I am an Associate at TSN, working in the Commercial and Financial Services Department. I specialize in corporate, banking, financial services, and insurance matters. […]
Role within the GFSB? Office Assistant/Accounts Can you provide your background at the GFSB? I have been working at the GFSB for many years as an Office Assistant. In this role, I provide vital administrative and operational support to help ensure the smooth running of the GFSB office, events and member services. My work includes […]