OUR TEAM
MANAGEMENT
Khalid Bahakim
Patron In Chief
We are honored to introduce Mr. Khalid Ali Bahakim, as Patron In
Chief of Global SME Business Home Switzerland and Managing Director
of Sea Power Saudi Arabia. With over 42 years of extensive
experience in shipping and port operations, Mr. Bahakim has played a
pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction and
operational excellence. His expertise spans vessel management, port
logistics, and maritime safety, contributing to Sea Power’s growth
and reputation across regional and international markets.
Representing Sea Power at the Global SME Summit in Davos,
Switzerland, Mr. Bahakim continues to champion progress and
collaboration within the global shipping community.
Anis Khan
Founder & President
With over two decades of experience as a business owner and industry
leader in the field of aviation security, air cargo and logistics,
Anis has gained first-hand knowledge of the challenges facing small
businesses operating in different sectors and with varied cultural
backgrounds. His experience of forging deep personal connections
with business partners has led him to create and support various
trade groups throughout his career. He now brings that experience to
GSBH. Anis is CEO of Intrapass GmbH, a pivotal freight company
nestled within the bustling confines of Zurich Airport.
Roman Sommerau
Co-Founder & Vice President
With a background in engineering and operations in airport ground
handling, Roman brings hands-on experience in key areas that are
relevant for SMEs. He has spent over 8 years overseeing issues such
as health, safety, security, quality, training, emergency management
and tender creation at Airline Assistance Switzerland AG. Roman is a
native of the Davos region and works to ensure that local businesses
also benefit from GSBH's events and network. A graduate of the ZHAW
School of engineering in Winterthur, Switzerland, he also serves as
an officer in the Swiss Air Force.
Christophe T. Spring
Executive Board Member, Vice President
With a passion for representing Swiss excellence on the global
stage, Christophe brings decades of experience across luxury brands,
international operations, and strategic growth. As Vice President of
International Operations at Kägi & Sons Ltd., he spearheaded
duty-free expansion into North America, the GCC, and India, forging
partnerships across 23 countries. Previously, as Managing Director
at Waterford Wedgwood Rosenthal (Switzerland), Christophe managed 11
prestigious luxury brands, enriching his expertise in design,
culture, and timeless elegance. Through theSpring.Swiss, he consults
with organizations like CASCI, advising on strategy, leadership, and
international collaboration to shape sustainable growth and
impactful partnerships. At SME Global, Christophe champions small
and medium-sized enterprises worldwide, leveraging his vast network
and experience to foster lasting, meaningful business relationships.
His leadership is guided by one principle: YLMP - You Must Like
People. Listening, humility, and respect are the foundation of
successful collaboration and true business growth. We are thrilled
to have him as an Executive Board member and Vice President for
GSBH.
Sheikh Mohammed H. J. Al Thani
Vice President
Sheikh Mohammed is an influential leader with expertise in strategic
business management, international relations, and entrepreneurship.
Currently the chairman of Anchorage Offshore Maintenance, where he
is driving international expansion. He has a variety of experiences
in business planning, plant management, treasury and strategy, and
has also managed various real estate and service projects at Arabian
Construction Engineering Company. He holds a BSc in Management with
International Business from Royal Holloway University of London.
Robin Khan
Operations Head
Robin is a versatile professional with expertise in plant and
equipment manufacturing, finance, and administration. His
proficiency in technology, creativity techniques and IT resources
are key to the smooth operation of GSBH. Robin currently leads the
finance and human resources functions at Intrapass GmbH. A graduate
of the TEKO Swiss Technical School, he is fluent in English and
German.
Rolf Muller
Secretary General
Rolf Muller acts as Secretary General for Global SME Business Home
(GSBH). For over 20 years, Rolf Muller has been working locally as
manager with various express courier companies, taking care of
clients both within Switzerland and abroad. Well travelled and
experienced in working with different cultures, Rolf Muller brings
personal enthusiasm and commitment to building up and maintaining
Global SME Business Home (GSBH), and the opportunity to meet the
challenge of devising and providing the distinct service Global
Swiss Business Hub (GSBH) offers its members. Besides his position
as Secretary General for Global SME Business Home (GSBH), Rolf
Muller is a product consultant for Swiss Post International.
Caroline Bernard
Marketing & Administration Head
Caroline Bernard brings a wealth of experience to Global Swiss
Business Hub (GSBH) and our team, blending a robust background in
business administration, marketing, and advertising with a Bachelor
of Business from New Zealand. Her career spans diverse sectors
including key accounts in tea, palm oil, and nonwovens industries.
Having lived and worked in Malaysia, New Zealand, and Switzerland,
Caroline possesses a deep understanding of global business dynamics
and a strong curiosity for diverse cultures. During her time in
Switzerland, Caroline developed a keen interest in education,
pursuing a teaching qualification in English. Her unique blend of
professional expertise and dedication to knowledge transfer has
consistently inspired her students. Caroline is eager to contribute
her operational and administrative acumen to Global SME Business
Home (GSBH), driving team success and growth as she integrates
seamlessly into our corporate environment.
Amina Ahmed Raza
Chief Executive Pakistan & Int'l Relations & Correspondent
With over 15 years of professional experience, Amina Ahmed Raza
currently serves as the Country Chief Executive of Global SME
Business Home (GSBH) Switzerland in Pakistan, where she leads
initiatives focused on international market entry, trade
development, and SME growth. She is also the Director of SKEN
Business Management Services, a family-owned enterprise recognized
for its contribution to corporate events, training programs, and
business development across industrial, energy, and engineering
sectors. Amina is committed to building global business linkages,
facilitating verified international connections, and supporting SMEs
in becoming market-ready and globally competitive.
Dr. Edith Steiner
International Franchise Development Expert & Strategic Growth
Advisor
Dr. Edith Steiner is a senior international consultant specializing
in franchise development, SME strategic management, and cross-border
expansion. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, she
supports founders, family businesses, and growth-oriented companies
in building scalable, structured, and investor-ready business
models. Her expertise spans franchise and licensing systems,
strategic restructuring, governance frameworks, and international
market entry, with a strong focus on European and GCC markets. Known
for her execution-driven approach, Dr. Steiner works directly with
owners and leadership teams to transform strong concepts into
sustainable, transferable growth systems. She is trusted for her
clarity, strategic depth, and ability to align vision with practical
implementation — ensuring growth without loss of control or brand
integrity.
Garima Singh
Strategic Advisor - India & UAE
Garima Singh is a renowned technology innovator and strategist
spearheading digital transformation for SMEs across India and the
Gulf region. As Founder of Bitviraj Technology and a recognized
Blockchain & AI advocate, she drives financial inclusion and
technological empowerment for small and medium enterprises through
cutting-edge Web3 solutions. Her expertise in blockchain
architecture and fintech ecosystems positions her as a pivotal
ambassador bridging Indian innovation with Gulf region business
opportunities, fostering cross-border digital trade and SME growth
in the new economy.
ADVISORY BOARD
Murat Seitnepesov
Honorary Advisor
Murat Seitnepesov, guided by 'doing the right things,' founded the
Integral Group across eight countries, a major exporter from the
Caspian Region. He also steered the Caspian Week Forum and the
Greater Caspian Association, enhancing the GCR's global recognition
and connectivity, and boosting commodity exports vital for global
food and energy security through digital technologies and
partnerships. An expert on the GCR, he frequently speaks at the
World Economic Forum and Horasis. He chairs the Caspian Week Forum,
promoting trade, and leads the Greater Caspian Association,
fostering innovation and sustainability. Seitnepesov also
contributes to the EurAsia Heart Foundation and leads the GSPDX
pandemic preparedness project. He is the Chairman of ICC Tajikistan.
He holds degrees in Theoretical Physics and Economics/Management. He
would be joining GSBH (Global Swiss Business Home) as an Honorary
Advisor.
Modjtaba
Honorary Advisor
Modjtaba, a Swiss-based entrepreneur and investor with strong
international ties, founded Amy Group Swiss Limited in Zurich. He is
a key member of the Joint Chamber of Commerce and an organizer for
Caspian Week, facilitating high-level business delegations across 11
Central Asian countries to foster economic collaboration.
Specializing in luxury real estate in Switzerland, Dubai, Spain,
Greece, and London, Modjtaba connects global investors with premium
opportunities. A seasoned event organizer at the World Economic
Forum in Davos, he is known for building impactful partnerships and
driving cross-border trade and investment. He also serves as the
Honorary Consulate for Tajikistan. He would be joining GSBH (Global
Swiss Business Home) as an Honorary Advisor.
Zohair Naseer
Strategic Partner & Advisor
Zohair Naseer is the Managing Director of Badar Group of Companies
and CEO of Badar Expo Solutions (BXSS), a UFI-accredited global
event management leader based in Pakistan. With over 25 years of
experience, he has been instrumental in organizing landmark national
exhibitions such as IDEAS Defence Expo, PIMEC, IEEEP Fair, TEXPO,
DALFA, and PITF, which have collectively facilitated billions in
trade and foreign investment. A champion of the “Pakistan First”
philosophy, Zohair specializes in public-private partnerships,
export promotion, and sector-led economic growth, making him a key
strategic ally for GSBH's mission to connect Pakistani SMEs with
global markets.
Abdul Qayyum Anjum, CMILT (UK)
Honorary Advisor
Abdul Qayyum Anjum is a senior strategic leader with 27 years of
distinguished service in government, defence, and security sectors,
now applying his expertise to the corporate world. A recipient of
the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and a Chartered Member of Institute
of Logistics and Transport (UK), he holds an Executive MBA in
Strategic Leadership from Valar Institute at Quantic School of
Business and Technology (USA). Anjum brings proven skills in crisis
management, large-scale operational planning, and cross-sector
coordination to the business environment. Currently serving as a
Director at IBTASH Consultancy and Chief Coordinator at Badar Group
of Companies, he acts as a linchpin for strategic business
development and organizational synergy. As a Member of the FPCCI
Central Standing Committee on Defence Industry Promotion & Business
Security and the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, he
provides GSBH with invaluable insights into business collaboration,
supply chain resilience, and corporate governance—enabling
structured and secure growth for SMEs in complex and regulated
markets.
Benjamin Talin
Strategic Partner & Honorary Advisor
Talin Benjamin is a visionary serial entrepreneur who founded his
first company at 13. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in
technology and digital transformation, he has led initiatives in
marketing, change management, digital product development, and
strategic advisory for governments, ministries, and EU bodies. A
sought-after keynote speaker, Talin has delivered over 200 global
keynotes, including at the World Economic Forum, and contributed
more than 450 publications. He is frequently featured in top
international media outlets and collaborates with prestigious
institutions such as the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council,
MIT Tech Review, and the EU Digital Skills & Jobs Initiative. As
Founder & CEO of MoreThanDigital, a leading platform for
digitalization, Talin drives scalable solutions in education,
economic development, and organizational transformation. Through
global collaborations and initiatives like MoreThanDigital Insights,
the MoreThanDigital Academy, and the TechValley ecosystem, he
empowers millions worldwide to navigate the future confidently and
effectively.
Md Liton Ahmed
Honorary Advisor
Md Liton Ahmed is a Bangladeshi-American entrepreneur, business
leader, and community advocate based in New York. He is the Founder
& President of the U.S. Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(USBCCI) and the Founder of the Global Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (GCCI), organizations focused on strengthening
international trade, investment, and economic collaboration.
Committed to empowering entrepreneurs, small businesses, and the
global diaspora, he has built platforms that connect businesses
across borders. Under his leadership, USBCCI and GCCI have organized
international business expos, trade delegations, SME forums, and
diaspora investment programs that promote sustainable and inclusive
economic growth. He also serves as President of USBD Group LLC and
USBD Software & Technology Ltd, offering business consulting,
digital marketing, and technology solutions worldwide. His
leadership and service have earned him notable recognition,
including the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S.
President Joe Biden and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for
outstanding community contributions.
Emmanuel Amara Vandi Fomba
Honorary Advisor
Ambassador Emmanuel Amara Vandi Fomba is the Founder and Global
President of the Global Chamber on African Trade, Rights, and
Economic Development (GCATRED). A seasoned diplomat and strategic
leader, he advocates for Africa-led economic growth by bridging the
gap between public, private, and civil-society sectors across Africa
and the diaspora. Under his leadership, GCATRED drives inclusive
trade policies, protects economic and human rights, and fosters
sustainable investment and capacity-building initiatives. Known for
his pragmatic approach and collaborative leadership, Amb. Fomba
leverages his deep regional knowledge and extensive global networks
to push for policy reforms, mobilize funding, and scale impactful
projects. These efforts prioritize sustainability, social equity,
and measurable benefits for African communities, ultimately aiming
to empower and uplift Africa's economic landscape.
Roger Leitner
Honorary Advisor
A seasoned campaigner and Business Economist who navigated 26 years
in the executive landscape with UBS AG in Wealth Management across
Zurich, Dubai and Singapore. Most recent he was with a digital
transformation company “Kmanjaro Holdings” in Telecom restructuring
activities and built a Fintech company in Vietnam. While in Vietnam
he also turned into a healthcare visionary to drive healthcare
projects in the field of regenerative medicine and to promote a
medical tourism. Expert at spearheading M&A, Fintech, Telecom,
Porsche-Design Mega-Yachtbuilding project from inception to
successful completion. He currently serves as the President & CEO of
the Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Vietnam
Committee. He would be joining GSBH (Global Swiss Business Home) as
an Honorary Advisor.
Salim Shaikh
Advisor - India Region
Salim is the owner and CEO of Fast Transport Carrier Pvt. Ltd., a
leading logistics company specializing in transportation,
warehousing, and supply chain solutions. With years of industry
expertise, he serves as a trusted advisor to GSBH, offering insights
on operational efficiency and growth strategies. His leadership has
driven FastTPL's success in delivering reliable and scalable
logistics services, making him a valuable asset to any business
ecosystem seeking innovation in logistics and supply chain
management.
Ms.Ashsagan Asghari
Advisor - South East Asia
Ms. Ashsagan Asghari is the Founder and President of Phoenix Global
Gold Co., Ltd., with 15+ years of experience in international trade
and investment. A graduate of Suan Dusit University, she has
launched five subsidiaries across ASEAN and led global partnerships.
Recognized by Forbes Asia as a "Top 50 Female Founder to Watch", she
champions leadership rooted in opportunity, innovation, and
integrity. Ms. Asghari actively supports youth education in Thailand
and global sustainability. Her numerous accolades include the Global
Changemakers Awards and the Asia Pacific Excellence Awards. She
brings a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in curating
impactful and memorable events for GSBH
Lakshmi Kern Devadass
Advisor
Lakshmi Kern Devadass is a seasoned and certified international
trade professional, strategic partnerships specialist, and brand
communications advisor with a proven track record across diverse
global industries. Known for her vibrant presence and empathetic
leadership, she is committed to building impactful, purpose-driven
collaborations. Focusing on long-term alliances, Lakshmi connects
Swiss, Indian, and international stakeholders to drive trade,
investment, and innovation. Her approach integrates economic
strategy with cultural fluency, enabling SMEs to expand
internationally with clarity, relevance, and long-term impact. A
high achiever with a broad global network, Lakshmi leverages her
strategic insight and relationship-building skills to create unique
opportunities and trusted partnerships. She is also a strong
advocate for mindful leadership and balanced work environments,
drawing on her engagement with yoga and integrative practices to
promote emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity—key
qualities in today’s evolving business culture. In her role, she
supports Global SME Business in promoting inclusive growth,
fostering strategic partnerships, and championing purpose-led
international development.
Saqib Majeed Sheikh
Advisor
With over 30 years of experience, Saqib Majeed Sheikh is a seasoned
leader in global freight forwarding and supply chain management. As
Director of Rapid Cargo Pvt. Ltd., he delivers customized logistics
solutions to both multinational corporations and SMEs. Known for
blending deep industry expertise with advanced technology, Saqib
excels in leading complex operations, fostering client trust, and
anticipating market trends. He is also a strong advocate for
sustainability and actively supports green initiatives through
philanthropy. In 2025, his impactful leadership earned national
recognition when he was named among Pakistan's Top 100 CEOs &
Diplomats by the CEO Club, cementing his status as a respected
figure in the logistics industry. He is joining GSBH - Global SME
Business Home as an advisor.
Catherine Daniels
Advisor - Ghana Region
Catherine Daniels possesses over 20 years of experience in the
freight forwarding industry and has a substantial background in the
maritime sector. She holds a Master's degree in International
Business from the Paris Graduate School of Management in France.
Throughout her career, Ms. Daniels has developed extensive expertise
in customer service and has effectively organized and coordinated
various international conferences.
Theresa Al-Wadi
Advisor
With over 20 years of experience in the tourism and events industry,
Theresa is the Founder and CEO of Gtour Travel & Events in Germany.
She has a proven track record in organizing international
conferences across a diverse range of industries, including
pharmaceuticals, IT, and sustainability. Additionally, Theresa has
successfully launched several innovative start-up initiatives, such
as the Arabia Friendly certification Program. Having lived on four
continents and fluent in eight languages and her observational
skills for identifying Strategic Partners, Theresa forged
partnerships with events owners, supported the event's vision,
branding and growth, by powering partnerships from strategies to
impact, thus unlocking new series of events and long term
collaborations. Theresa is passionate about championing women and
youth entrepreneurship to become more creative, competitive, and
expand their market and Brand reach locally and globally.
Simon Lai
Advisor
Simon brings along more than 20 years of extensive regional business
development in the sales of Information Technology and Logistics &
Supply Chain Execution software, with an excellent track record in
developing successful reseller and channel sales network in South
East Asia (Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, Vietnam).
Salim Abdallah Al Masroori
Advisor
Salim is a seasoned management professional with a particular focus
on the tourism sector. He is currently Owner and General Manager of
Arabian Explorers in Oman, where he oversees operations and is
focused on enhancing operational efficiency and driving growth. With
his extensive background and participation in over 35 workshops and
international tourism exhibitions, Salim brings a valuable
events-oriented perspective to the network.
Dr. Ratnesh Thapliyal
Advisor
Having earned a PhD from the University of Basel, Ratnesh is a
scientist turned entrepreneur with extensive experience in the
technology start-up space. He founded enterprises in both industrial
diagnostics (AlphaDiagnostics) and chemical detection (SmellCells)
and sits on the board of three other companies. He also contributes
to maritime safety through advisory work for the industry. Ratnesh
is passionate and committed to bringing groundbreaking technologies
to solve the real-world challenge on a global scale.
Sohrab Khan
Advisor
With over 30 years of experience in the global logistics and freight
forwarding industry, Sohrab has had to navigate diverse economic and
cultural environments throughout his career. Having held management
positions with MSAS (Royal Air Cargo) in Dubai, Atlas Logistics in
Singapore and China Global Lines Limited in Hong Kong, he is now a
prominent leader in the sector, which is key to many growing
businesses.
Antu Kareem
Advisor - Bangladesh and Asia Pacific
Antu Kareem is a Bangladeshi actor, model, producer, and
entrepreneur. As founder of Pentagon International, he
revolutionized the FMCG sector, especially in baby and skincare
products. His company, launched in 1999, now has a nationwide
network and plans for local manufacturing and global exports,
employing over 1,000 people.
Mohkam A. Bahakim
Advisor
As the founder and CEO of Bahakim Group, Mohkam brings crucial
regional business experience and contacts to his advisory role at
GSBH. Under his leadership Bahakim Group, which specialises in
customs clearance, shipping, and logistics within Saudi Arabia and
across the Middle East, has become the top freight broker in Saudi
Arabia.
Niazul Islam Rony
Operations Chief - Bangladesh Region
Niazul is a young professional who excels at transforming logistical
challenges into streamlined operations. He has held a variety of
positions in e-commerce, sales, marketing, logistics, and global
supply chain management and also specialises in public relations and
branding. As CEO of Amvines Logistics Limited in Dhaka, Bangladesh,
Niazul leads a technology-focused logistics provider with nationwide
footprint. Niazul holds a Bachelor's Degree from Lincoln University
College in Malaysia and is fluent in English, Hindi, Malay, and
Bengali.
Chheku Dukpa
Advisor
Chheku is renowned for his work as a social worker, philanthropist,
and reformer. He is best known as the founder of Global Village
Connections (GVC), a travel company, and GVC Global Ventures,
promoting organic farming, smart waste management and other green
technologies. His leadership role in global tourism and
sustainability allow him to bring valuable perspectives to GSBH.