Dr. Balwant Singh – Chief Executive
Dr Singh was appointed the first CEO of the Kusuma Trust UK in October 2010. Prior to taking on the helm at The Trust, Balwant was Global Director for a US$41m initiative across Africa and South Asia - Innovations for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health - funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he spearheaded the development and field testing of bold and innovative ways to overcome barriers to delivering proven maternal, neonatal and child health solutions. Prior to that, he was Regional Director for South & Central Asia with Save the Children for four years, leading a regional leadership team and eight country teams, directing humanitarian and development work, including emergency responses, education, health, child protection and nutrition programmes. Earlier roles include Director of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance in India; Director of International Programmes at International Family Health in London, where he was responsible for programmes across 14 countries in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe; CEO of Chance UK in London; Executive Director of Doctors of the World in New York; Country Director with Project HOPE in Russia; and, senior roles in development and health in Sweden and Singapore. Originally from Singapore, Balwant is a physician with an MBA with top honours, and also holds a postgraduate diploma in health services management.
Julian Beckedahl – Operations Manager
Before joining The Trust in October 2010, Julian was Head of Social Enterprise at Community Network, the UK's conference call charity. He was responsible for promoting a bespoke teleconference service to a third sector customer base, managing sales and delivering telephone support groups to socially isolated people. He also facilitated global conference calls for international aid agencies and managed live broadcasts for elderly and housebound beneficiaries. Julian has nine years' experience of working in the UK voluntary sector, where he specialised in operations, communications and technology.
Suzanne Davies – Finance Manager
Suzanne joined The Trust in February 2011. She is a Chartered Accuntant with over 20 years' experience in both the commercial and charitable environments. Suzanne's commercial experience includes working in the general audit practice at BDO Stoy Haward, in investment monitoring at Lazard Development Capital, both as an external adviser and internal financial manager of Corporate Finance at Smith & Williamson. Suzanne also runs her own property management business and is currently Treasurer to Volunteer Reading Help, Trustee to London Early Years Foundation and Board Member of Origin Housing.
Tania Karunaratne – Administrator
Prior to joining The Trust in November 2010, Tania worked as PA to the Chief Executive of Richard House Children's Hospice in Beckton. Previously, she was Team Coordinator for the Latin America and Africa Team at Marie Stopes International where her role included organising overseas workshops for partners. Before that, she was an Executive Officer at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Tania brings to The Trust over 10 years' administrative experience in both the not for profit and government sectors.
