Our Professional Board
Read all about our dedicated and experienced board members here.
Dr. Zimar Sivardeen is an eyecare specialist with a strong clinical and research background who has devoted 25 years to optometry.
On completion of the MBA and Doctorate, Zimar accepted the position of Honorary Research Fellow at Aston University, developing novel ideas on multifocal contact lenses and dry eyes. He has further diversified his research to include branding and international marketing. He has authored peer-reviewed articles published in international industry leading journals. He has been awarded the Fellowships by the British Contact Lens Association, the College of Optometrists and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics.
As a director of Specsavers Opticians and Chairman of the Local Optical Committee in Kingston, Richmond and Twickenham, he has been instrumental in bringing the multi-disciplines of the healthcare profession together in the local community.
Elected President of the British Sri Lankan Association (BRISLA) since its foundation, Zimar has enhanced and strengthened trade and diplomatic links between the two countries. Through his leadership he has facilitated charitable initiatives making enormous impact on the lives of the British, British Sri Lankans and Sri Lankan citizens at large. As the founder and organiser of the BRISLA Awards 2015 to 2018, he has raised awareness in the general public of the importance and benefits of social integration, creating platforms for dialogue and cooperation between communities.
Inspired by the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018, Zimar founded Commonwealth Future, an independent coordinating organisation. Commonwealth Future promotes standards of excellence across the Commonwealth, seeking to empower and transform the lives of its citizens through education, healthcare, business enterprise, trade and community engagement. As Chairman and President, his key areas of focus will be promoting unity with diversity, mental health and sustainable development throughout the Commonwealth.
Graham obtained a degree in Geology from the University of Aston in Birmingham in 1978 and has since spent 40 years working in the international oil industry. Following several years of managing small geological laboratories in the UK and West Africa Graham founded his own oilfield services company in 1987. At this time he gained an ACCA qualification in Accounting and Finance. He raised venture capital to undertake several acquisitions and to rapidly grow his business over the subsequent years. Graham sold the business in 1994 and was retained as Managing Director. Today he is Chairman of Corex, now owned by Premier Oilfield Services Group with oilfield laboratories throughout the world.
Graham completed an MBA at Henley Business School in 2011; his research thesis was in Corporate Governance linked to investor relations. Following his MBA, Graham completed the IOD Certificate in Company Direction followed by the IOD Diploma in Company Direction. He is now working towards Chartered Director status through the IOD. Graham has a strong interest in Board Evaluation and has lectured in Corporate Governance and “Building a Better Board” at the Institute of Directors, Henley Business School and Aston University Business School.
Graham is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
A career at the intersection of frontline business and technology- an ability to remove technological complexity so that the end customer understands the business benefits of ever-faster pace of change in technological and regulatory fields.
Following an education at Eton College and Cranfield Business School, John worked for Barclays Bank for 22 years before being made the Managing Director of Project Roosevelt New York NY, Global Trust Organization, Identrus.
As the Managing Director and Global Ambassador, IdenTrust Inc, London, John was at the frontline of relationship management and business development. The job title enabled easy movements between banks, governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, corporations and SME’s. The emphasis not on conventional hard “selling” - instead using dialogue, developing trusted relations so that the “customer“ makes the decision instead of being coerced by a vendor. John focuses and emphasises the importance of best-in-class brand management.
John is a Board Member of Sequrest. Active in Digital Identity think tanks including CPS, TechUK, FinServices Club and Centre for Study of Financial Innovation. In addition to spending time with his wife and three children he is also a Board director of other non-FS/Fintech related enterprises including the reborn iconic brands of Bullards Spirits & Bullards Beers.
Rudi Page, FRSA is an executive member & international ambassador for Commonwealth Future. He is a multi-award winning management consultant (mentor & coach) and skilled facilitator with a proven track record of achievement within the NHS and Royal Colleges, senior public appointments, workforce development & Inclusion, local systems and patient & public engagement. He developed the widely-acclaimed Diaspora Delivery System and is the co-founder of Caribbean Diaspora Health System +.
Rudi has extensive experience in making connections work for all stakeholders through cross-sectoral and institutional development partnerships within business support, community development, corporate social responsibility, creative industries, higher education, regeneration and the commonwealth diaspora movement, aligned with UK global health and international trade objectives.
Rudi has held non-executive and trustee roles for North West London Community Foundation, North West London Chamber of Commerce, RAFFA International Development Agency and Vice-Chairman, Talawa Theatre, and an active member of the Lions Club and Kiwanis International charities.
Rudi continues to carry out his life's mandate to effect change by promoting inclusive, peaceful, caring and enterprising neighbourhoods.