Hitan Mehta, a distinguished Indian-origin philanthropy leader, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the British Asian Trust, succeeding Richard Hawkes after a decade of transformative stewardship. The appointment, announced on December 4, 2025, positions Mehta at the helm of the organization founded by King Charles III in 2007 to combat poverty, inequality, and injustice across South Asia. Under Hawkes's guidance, the Trust scaled its operations to impact over 18 million individuals, a legacy Mehta is poised to extend through strategic innovation.

Mehta's tenure with the Trust spans nearly two decades, commencing in 2007 as its inaugural employee during the charity's nascent phase. He progressed to executive director, forging pivotal collaborations with King Charles and cultivating alliances among high-profile stakeholders. In recognition of his contributions to the UK's South Asian community, Mehta was conferred the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours, underscoring his enduring commitment to cross-cultural philanthropy.

Beyond the Trust, Mehta's career exemplifies operational excellence in charitable endeavors. As head of operations for The Prince’s Charities Events, he orchestrated grand-scale initiatives—including music concerts, sports spectacles, film premieres, and expansive exhibitions—to galvanize public engagement and secure substantial funding. His volunteer efforts with the BAPS NGO further highlight his global outreach, notably in spearheading the international rollout of the documentary 'Mystic India' and nurturing ties with royal households, diplomatic corps, governmental entities, and prominent business leaders.

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In 2018, Mehta's influence in UK-India relations earned him a place among the 100 most impactful figures, affirming his stature as a bridge between continents. This multifaceted expertise equips him to navigate the Trust's ambitious agenda, leveraging his intimate knowledge of its foundational ethos to amplify its reach in addressing systemic challenges in South Asia.

As the British Asian Trust embarks on its next chapter under Mehta's leadership, the organization reaffirms its dedication to fostering equitable progress. King Charles III's vision, realized through sustained programmatic growth, now benefits from a CEO whose proven acumen promises heightened efficacy and broader societal resonance in the region.

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