What is your role at CCJ

I am the Financial Controller at CCJ. I run the complete accounting and finance function for the charity and oversee the accounts for the branches as well.

How did you first get involved with CCJ?

My work background is primarily in shipping accounts, followed by market research accounting. My career began in Mayfair with Blenheim Shipping, a British ship-owning family. After the financial crash of 2008, I transitioned to working with YouthSight, an SME in market research. I was introduced to the charity by our parish priest in Highgate. I'm not sure how he was involved with CCJ, but he thought I’d be a great fit, as I was looking for a change. I submitted my application to our ex-director, Jane Clements, and our then honorary treasurer, Michael Cutting, both of whom were impressed with my background. Both Michael Cutting and, later, Andrew Mainz took it upon themselves to mentor me into becoming the charity accountant I am today, and I am ever grateful to them for this.

Why is CCJ's work important to you?

I was born and raised in Kuwait, where my parents were posted as part of an Indian medical team. The 1990 invasion of Kuwait deeply impacted our lives. One day, we had everything; the next, we became refugees, searching for food and fearing for our lives as we made a dangerous journey out of the region. We eventually returned to Kuwait in 1992. Growing up, Israel and the Jewish people were often portrayed as enemies in the region, which I couldn't fully understand. My parents, both Catholic, would remind us that Israel was a great country and that we had much in common with the Jewish people. My father assured us that we would visit one day—and in 1994, we did. I was a young teenager, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I met my father's friends and even visited Yad Vashem in its earlier form. Little did I know then that I would work in this context later in life. The shared history of the Jewish people resonates deeply with me, and I am very proud to be part of CCJ, contributing to the cohesion between our two great communities.

When you're not at work what do you like doing?

These days, I produce and create music under the name Whiskey General. My Christmas single, Guiding Star, a song I wrote for an Islington mental health charity, was picked up by Universal Music to be recorded at their London studios in Kings Cross. Recently, Electric Robin from Banijay Films also got involved to produce and film the yet to be released music video for the song. In my younger years, I was a touring musician, appearing on TV, playing at festivals, and touring internationally. Music has always been therapeutic for me, and I can't imagine life without it. And yes, Whiskey is spelled the way it should be—or so my American wife, Julie, insists I say! If you're a fan of classic rock and similar genres, then it might just be your cup of tea. https://linktr.ee/whiskeygeneral