Board of Directors

Mr Panos Englezos is a graduate of London University in Economics and Accounting. He is the Chairman and Chief Executive of a group of companies which he established in 1961. The birth of his son, George, with β-thalassaemia major led to his deep lifelong involvement in the development and promotion ...

Mrs Shobha Tuli is the founder member of Thalassaemics India, established in 1987 in New Delhi. She served as Junior Secretary of Thalassaemics India until 1992, whilst since 1993 she is serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Thalassaemics India. In 1993 she supported the establishment of the ...

Mr George Constantinou, obtained a degree in Hotel and Tourism studies in London and has had a long and successful professional career. His contribution, passion, and undivided commitment to improving the health and quality of life of patients with thalassaemia are exemplary. Since the early years, he has been involved ...

Mr Riyad Elbard, President of Thalassemia Foundation of Canada, has been a leading member of the Thalassemia Foundation of Canada for over 15 years. He is dedicated to advocating for optimal care for all thalassemia patients. He represents the foundation on various committees and has been instrumental in building and ...

Mr. Abdel Basset Mohamed Merdas was born in the United Arab Emirates in Dubai in 1960, and holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He worked for the Dubai Government from 1989 until 2006. He is one of the founders of the Emirates Thalassemia Society (ETS), and played a major ...

Mr Saeed Jaafar Al-Awadhi was born in February 11, 1978 in the United Arab Emirates, and has lived and worked there his entire life. He is a patient with β-thalassaemia major, married with two sons. He began working as an administrator officer in Thalassemia Center in Dubai Health Authority in ...

HH Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan has been a driving force in raising awareness and promoting excellence in treatment for blood disorders and diseases. She is an unpretentious supporter of people in need of medical help. Her concern for children has prompted her to become chairman of Make-A-Wish UAE. ...

Mr Robert Ficarra is one of the most prolific current Members of the Board of Directors of TIF and one of the former presidents. He is one of Thalassaemia International Federation’s founding members and on the Board of Directors since 1986. Mr Ficarra has been president of the Cooley’s Anaemia ...

Gabriel Theophanous is a 33 years old with beta thalassaemia major. He works in accounts and is currently studying towards an ACCA qualification. He is President of the United Kingdom Thalassaemia Society (UKTS) and has carried out significant work through the Society. Having become close friends with the current Committee ...