Shan E Abbas Hassam is a 32-year-old businessman from Birmingham, UK. He is the Group Managing Director of MSA Global Holdings Limited, a leading pharmaceutical group. The Group has interests in distribution and retail pharmacy in the United Kingdom, Germany, Uganda, Djibouti and Serbia.
In a stellar contribution toThe World Federation, he has been the youngest Assistant Secretary General, the youngest Executive Councillor and the youngest Secretary General.
He also spearheaded the exceptional rescue of 450 Khoja refugees from war-torn Yemen.
Entrepreneur
Hassam qualified from King’s College London with a 1st Class Honours Degree. He trained as a solicitor specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions at Gowlings LLP, an international law firm with over 1,400 legal professionals worldwide.
His entrepreneurial spirit then led him to set up his own business at the age of 25, focusing on pharmaceutical distribution. His energy and fervour has led to great growth with his business now operating in five countries. The company’s vision is to grow into a fully integrated pharmaceutical, veterinary and dental group (i.e. manufacturing, distribution and retail).
Pioneering leader
Hassam has been a dedicated community leader from his university years. He has led the COEJ Camp and served as an Executive Committee Member of the KSIMC of Birmingham. He first volunteered for The World Federation by raising funds through collections for humanitarian activities.
He served as the Head of the International Relief Team at the age of 21 (now known as WF AID) and reached leading positions of responsibility as the youngest person in World Federation history. He was appointed as the youngest Assistant Secretary General in 2006, the youngest Executive Councillor in 2009 and the youngest Secretary General in 2011.
Yemen rescue
Hassam stepped down as Secretary General in 2015 to become Head of the Yemen Rescue & Re-settlement Core Team on recommendation of the Regional Federations.
He formed a high-calibre team which worked relentlessly over many months to successfully rescue over 450 community refugees from Yemen. They then worked tirelessly on re-settling them throughout the world. It is quite remarkable that at the age of 30 the community leadership trusted Hassam to form a team to lead this complex and landmark operation to completion, but testimony to his outstanding qualities.
Harnessing talent
Hassam was reappointed Secretary General of The World Federation in 2017. He serves as a Trustee on the British Muslim Charities Forum, working with leading British Muslim NGOs in building their capacity as well as advocating their excellent work.
He is passionate about harnessing the talent within the Khoja community and galvanising our community institutions to develop their services and their capacity. Hassam believes in focusing on the eradication of poverty within the Khoja community and the fundamental importance of adding value to humanity at large.
