Jay Ramesh
B Com, ACA (India), ACPA (Botswana)

Managing partner
Jay took over as the Managing Partner in January 2000 after having worked in all divisions of the firm. He joined the firm in 1984 and became a Partner in 1985. He played a lead role in forging an international affiliation for this locally established firm. The firm was started under the name of Acumen in 1976 and became the Botswana member firm of Grant Thornton International in 1992. Jay is one of the key people responsible for Grant Thornton to become the second largest professional services firm in Botswana.

Experience
Jay has been with the firm for 27 years. He has successfully nurtured his clients in their growth process with his knowledge of the Country and professional expertise.

Sector experience
Jay was responsible for starting the audit practice of the firm in 1988 and was the firm's audit partner until September 2003. He then handed over this portfolio to the newly appointed audit partner and continued with his role as the client contact partner for the firm's major clients.

Jay is the firm's advisor on Corporate Recovery and Reorganisation assignments and also advises clients on setting up new business establishments in the country. His passion for Corporate Finance work has kept him closely associated with assignments for raising equity and loan funds from the market and financial institutions.

Professional qualifications and memberships
Jay graduated from the Madras University, India with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1979 and thereafter qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1983. He has been actively involved within and outside of the firm since 1984 in the training of Batswana in the field of accountancy and business studies. He has constantly strived for the development of the accounting profession in the country through his roles of teaching to part-time University students and by being an active member in the development and growth of the Botswana Institute of Accountants.

• Appointed leader - Representing Grant Thornton International for strengthening the presence of Grant Thornton in the African Region.
• Elected member of the Board of Governors of Grant Thornton International – January 2007 to December 2008 – Elected as a representative of Africa, Middle East and Europe. While on the board, also served on the Budget sub-committee.
• Chairman (2005 till date) of the African Regional Council of Grant Thornton member firms in the region – 13 countries.
• Member of the National governing Council of the South African offices of Grant Thornton.
• Chairman (Co-ordinator) of BOCCIM committee for the Trade and Industry sector of the High Level Consultative Council (HLCC) chaired by the Minister of Trade and Industry. HLCC is the liaison between private sector and government. As the chairman, Jay is invited to represent at the Main HLCC meeting chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana held twice annually.
• Currently serving on the board of directors of RPC Data Limited, company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange. Jay is also the chairman of the audit committee.
• Promoter and serving on the Board of Directors of Botho College, a leading educational institution in Botswana. He is also the Chairman of the audit committee.
• Elected President of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) for a period of 2 years – May 2002 to April 2004. Prior to that, Jay was chosen to serve as Vice-President of BICA. He also served as a member of the BICA governing council for many years prior to being chosen as Vice President.
• Past board member (2001 – 2004) on the board of directors of Botswana Accountancy College (BAC), the premier institution at the professional level. While on the board, also served on the HR sub-committee.
• Served as the representative of Botswana Institute of Accountants (BIA) on the consultative committee of Registrar of Companies for drafting the Regulations for the new Companies Act.
• Served as the leader of the consultative committee formed by BICA to assist in the drafting of Corporate Governance code for Botswana.
• Served as a member - Technical committee – BIA for few years; the committee recommends and monitors accounting and auditing standards in Botswana. Jay has also been a member and has chaired the various committees of BIA i.e. Education and training, Taxation, Disciplinary and have also held the position of Treasurer for 1 year.

Community involvement
Has been a member and also served as a President in social charitable organisations involved in charitable activities for the welfare of the local community. He is an active participant in fund raising walks for charity.

Recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award
from Lions Clubs International Foundation for dedicated humanitarian services. Jay enjoys travelling and has travelled extensively around the world. He is also a keen golfer.

Nationality
Jay was originally born in Chennai, India in the year 1959. He arrived in Botswana in July 1984. He is now a naturalised citizen of Botswana.

Contact details
Plot 50370, Acumen Park, Fairgrounds
Acumen Park
P O Box 1157
Gaborone, Botswana

T: +267 3952313
E: jay.ramesh@bw.gt.com