The Board of Trustees of the British Asian Trust has announced the appointment of Hitan Mehta OBE as its new chief executive, succeeding Richard Hawkes OBE after his 10 years of transformative leadership.
Hitan Mehta played a key role in establishing the British Asian Trust in 2007 as its first employee. Over the past 18 years, he has worked closely with His Majesty King Charles III, formerly The Prince of Wales, and has been a core part of the Trust’s senior leadership. Alongside Richard Hawkes, he has helped build the organisation into one of the most respected and innovative international charities in South Asia.
Hitan has also been instrumental in the Trust’s global expansion across the UK, South Asia, the Gulf, and most recently North America. He has led efforts to deepen engagement with the global South Asian diaspora, developing influential philanthropic, financial, and business networks to advance the Trust’s mission worldwide.
Richard Hawkes said, “After an incredible 10 years with the British Asian Trust, I feel this is the right time to take on new challenges and hand over the baton to Hitan, with whom I’ve worked closely for the past decade. I am grateful to the Board for the privilege of serving as CEO and wish the organisation every success in the years ahead.”
Hitan Mehta shared his thoughts on the appointment, saying: “It is a privilege to take on this role at such a pivotal time for the British Asian Trust. As we enter a significant phase of global and UK diaspora engagement, I am deeply grateful to our Trustees, our Royal Founding Patron, and our partners and supporters for their continued trust in our mission. I would also like to recognise Richard’s tremendous contribution over the past decade. Working alongside him has been a pleasure, and his commitment to impact has helped shape the organisation we are today. I am committed to building on the strong foundations we’ve created. With our exceptional team, I look forward to expanding our global reach, driving innovation, and continuing to deliver meaningful, lasting change for communities across South Asia.”
Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said, “As a founding leader of the British Asian Trust, Hitan has helped shape the organisation’s values, networks, and global impact from the very beginning. His deep understanding of South Asia, his credibility within international philanthropy, and the trusted relationships he has built across the British Asian community make him uniquely equipped to lead the Trust into its next chapter, building on Richard’s decade of transformational leadership.”
A lifelong commitment to community
Hitan Mehta traces his family roots to Porbandar, Gujarat. His grandparents migrated to Uganda and Kenya, and his parents later settled in the UK, where he has been and raised. He continues to maintain strong cultural ties, keeping Gujarati traditions alive within his family and staying connected to the community through the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, London.
Hitan has also been deeply involved in volunteer work with BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), the global socio-spiritual Hindu organisation founded in 1907 by Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj. Over the years, he has contributed to several major BAPS initiatives, including playing a key role in the international launch of the film Mystic India. He also oversees some of BAPS’s important relationships with Royal families, government officials, diplomats, and prominent business leaders.
His dedication to service was further demonstrated during the Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary celebrations in Ahmedabad (late 2022/early 2023), where he volunteered at Pramukh Swami Nagar, the large temporary township created by BAPS for the festival.
In an interview with the Times of India, Hitan reflected on his lifelong association with BAPS. His first trip to India was in 1983, at the age of four, when his parents travelled to Mumbai for the consecration of a temple. After completing his law degree, he volunteered full-time with BAPS for three years, an experience that shaped his early professional journey before he joined the British Asian Trust.
In an interview with Asian Voice in 2021, Hitan Mehta, then Executive Director of the British Asian Trust, detailed the organisation's rapid response during the first wave of Covid-19 in India. Recognising the urgent need for oxygen and essential supplies for migrant workers, Mehta led the launch of the India Oxygen Appeal, partnering with local NGOs to distribute concentrators and cash transfers efficiently. The campaign received widespread support from the UK public, media outlets, corporate entities, and high-profile donors, including contributions from children, pensioners, and even JK Rowling’s Volant Trust. Mehta coordinated efforts despite personal and team hardships, ensuring over 4,800 oxygen concentrators were deployed and new oxygen plants established. He emphasised the power of community collaboration, noting the involvement of faith groups, businesses, and international supporters.
Hitan’s deep commitment to the charitable sector and his success in leading major community and fundraising initiatives have made him a highly respected and recognisable figure in the British Asian community. He was named one of the 100 most influential people in UK-India relations in 2018. In 2023, his contributions to the community and philanthropic work were honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE), awarded by His Majesty King Charles III.
