Ramesh Karnani
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 to take advantage of the emerging mobile phone industry. I set up a business in La Linea, Spain, to provide analogue mobile phones and services to the Gibraltar market. As the industry grew, I expanded into wholesale and international trading of mobile handsets from Madrid, while maintaining my businesses in Gibraltar and La Linea. Later, due to the 2008 financial crisis and Spain’s recession, I returned to Gibraltar to join my family’s retail and real estate business.
What are some of your personal interests or hobbies outside of work?
My personal interests include spending time with my family, which I often found challenging to balance with my work commitments. Additionally, I enjoy seeking new business opportunities and contributing to the local community.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
Starting on a shoestring budget in another country with different rules presented significant challenges, including learning Spanish VAT, importing goods, and dealing with local suppliers and company law. Managing high running costs, particularly phone bills for interprovincial and international calls, was another hurdle. The 2008 financial crisis was a major challenge that led me to pivot back to my family business. Key lessons learned include the importance of diversification, the need to balance specialization with broad service offerings, and the value of persistent decision-making and adaptability.
Are you currently serving on other boards or bodies?
- Committee member at the Hindu Community of Gibraltar.
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: 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 […]
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 […]