Board
In Switzerland
Pam Walsh OBE, President
Pam founded Friends of India in 2001 after becoming active in assisting Indian women by raising funds for the late Sir Peter Ustinov’s Global Harmony Foundation in 1999. Pam is from Durham, UK and founded the ASC-International House language school in Geneva in 1974. She directed the school until her retirement in 2004, overseeing its growth to become one of the largest language schools in Switzerland. Deeply involved in professional, charitable and cultural activities, Pam was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth in 2000, in recognition of her services to British-Swiss relations. She was granted Swiss citizenship in 2002.
Nigel Majakari, Vice President
Nigel is principle at Geneva Capital S.A., an advisory and capital introduction firm specializing in sustainable investing. Previously he worked as an independent advisor and consultant specializing in fundraising, marketing, and sustainable investing working with family offices, private banks, UN agencies, charitable trusts, non-governmental organizations, and corporations. He has worked in the US, Europe, Southern Africa, Central and South and East Asia.
Prior to this Nigel was General Manager for Health Diplomats, an international advocacy and C-level advisory firm focused on global health issues based in Geneva. Nigel managed daily operations involving a select portfolio of international projects for multi-national pharmaceutical, healthcare, and Governmental clients. Nigel spent over ten years as a social entrepreneur developing solutions to acute social problems and leading not for profit organizations.
Ted Talbot, Treasurer
Ted is treasurer for Friends of India. Born and educated in the UK, he is a qualified chartered accountant and Member of the British Computer Society with a specialization in computerized accounting systems analysis and design. Ted founded his own consulting firm operating out of several European countries. Now semi-retired, he devotes much of his energy to the Anglophone theatre and church communities.
tedtal@vtx.ch
Michel Firmenich, Member
Born and educated in Geneva, Switzerland, Michel has been involved with Friends of India for several years and joined the Board in January 2009. He holds a degree in economics and has worked in information technology, most recently as the Group VP, Information Systems, within the Firmenich family business. Michel oversees Friends of India’s information technology needs.
Ian Blowfield, Member
Ian was born and educated in England and studied gemmology. As the senior jewellery valuer for Sotheby’s in London, he auctioned many jewels from the noble families of Jaipur and Hyderabad, the funds of which were donated to worthy Indian charities. Ian moved to Switzerland in 1980 to become the European President of Phillips, the Fine Art Auctioneers. Since 2007 he has used his auctioneering skills to raise funds for FOI at its annual galas. Ian also has been deeply involved in fundraising for the Geneva English School, having assisted them for 27 years, which included raising funds for their relocation. Ian was granted Swiss citizenship in 2001.
Diana Smith, Member
Diana Smith was born and raised in the north of England and is a specialist in primary school education. Trained as a teacher, she arrived in Geneva in 1970 and proudly worked as a primary school teacher at the International School for almost 30 years. The last 13 years of her service have been as Principal of the International School until her recent retirement. Over her career she has been involved in several charities and brings a passion for the schooling of young children to Friends of India’s educational efforts for underprivileged children.
Kris Easter, Member
Kris has a background in international development and has worked in India, Russia, and Pakistan for development organisations. She provides communications and project management advice and support to Friends of India and holds an MBA and a degree in Russian.
Andrea Waterson, Member
Born and educated in the UK, Andrea Waterson has a background in marketing and communications, with a degree in Engineering. She has recently spent just over two years in South India, working with local charities.
In India
Dorene Bernard, Chair of the Indian Trust
Dorene is a dynamic businesswoman with a background in banking and multi-level marketing. She currently owns and runs a thriving software company with her husband. One of their noteworthy products is a performance and financial management software for non-profit organisations. Dorene brings sound knowledge and experience in new approaches to fundraising and networking. While managing her home with two children, Doreen also oversees the administration of a school for mentally challenged girls.
Advitya Thapa, Operations Officer
Advitya holds a Degree in Philosophy and a Post Graduate Degree in ‘Counselling and Guidance and Advanced Organizational Behaviour’ from the Madras School of Social Work. Previously he worked with people suffering from HIV, socially marginalized individuals, and Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees.
Kiran J. Prabhu Young, Member
Kiran has a background in business and completed a management degree from University of Leeds. He is currently with Reliance Group. Kiran has a passion for working to ensure dignity and livelihoods for the underprivileged and has translated this energy into fundraising for various worthy causes over the past 15 years. He believes strongly in community development and working through local partnerships to bring programs to scale.
