Tony Jashanmal steers a century-old legacy into modern success

This highly acclaimed business franchise was initiated in 1919 in Iraq and has since then expanded its operation circles to spread throughout the Middle East and beyond. To lead this prestigious group, there is a visionary entrepreneur by the name of Tony Jashanmal, whose journey from a young student to becoming one of the most thriving entrepreneurs in the UAE is just so inspiring.

The story of the Jashanmal Group begins with Mr. Rao Sahib Jashanmal, Tony’s grandfather, who ventured from India into the newly formed country of Iraq in 1919. An initial visit to Iraq, which was undertaken to investigate the availability of various opportunities, quickly became a lucrative business venture in Basra. It is befitting that Basra, being the chief port of Iraq, hosted a general store that soon grew into a departmental store, catering to the new requirements felt in the rapidly growing region. Success in Iraq encouraged Rao Sahib to open other branches in Kuwait and Bahrain during the 1930s, riding on the back of the emerging oil industry. The strategic expansion to Dubai in 1956 and Abu Dhabi in 1963 set a milestone for the Jashanmal Group in the Arabian Gulf. It has been an expansion to grow not only geographically but also to adapt to the changing market dynamics and consumer needs of these rapidly developing regions.

Born in Kuwait in 1947, Tony Jashanmal pursued his education from India through Switzerland to Hamburg University, from which he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Economics. His varied academic backgrounds provided him with a unique perspective on global business practice, which he brought into the Jashanmal Group when he joined it in 1971. Tony’s tutelage has been instrumental in guiding the company through many challenges and opportunities. During his leadership, the Jashanmal Group diversified its portfolio to include print media, men’s accessories, tobacco, and fashion. That he made the rebuilding of the Kuwait operations a priority immediately after the Gulf War and drove the company’s expansion into India shows his strategic vision and perseverance.

The Jashanmal Group has also ventured into the media industry by distributing magazines and books across the region. Tony is involved in many more things than the family business alone; he served in a number of influential positions, which include Chairman of the New Indian School in Kuwait and President of Hunting and Equestrian Golf Club. His membership to a number of associations like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Gulf Chapter, underlines his commitment to the cause of economic cooperation between India and GCC states. Further, this commitment to the expansion of press freedom throughout the world is underlined by his work as past President of Distripress.

The COVID-19 pandemic was an unparalleled challenge to businesses across the globe, and this group was no exception. Besides, it accelerated e-commerce and omni-channel retailing. Because strategic priorities by Tony on digital transformation would mean the company could be ready to move fast in adapting to new consumer behaviors and market conditions. And when the World Expo 2020 comes up in Dubai, the Jashanmal Group will be very well positioned to avail itself of those opportunities. Tony’s blend of optimism and caution shows in his realization that one has to keep his foresight alive to negotiate economic uncertainties with flexibility.

 Tony Jashanmal loves football, golf, and cricket. In fact, these sports are an integral part of his life as they give him his much-needed balance and relaxation. His involvement in sport underlines that keeping fit and taking time to relax from the pressures of a busy business life is important. In the course of its development, the Jashanmal Group relies more on adaptability and innovation on Tony’s part. His advice to starting entrepreneurs in the UAE is to take care of progress and improvement, not of pure financial gain. The dynamic atmosphere of the UAE opens up many possibilities for an individual who thinks ahead in business and feels obliged to change the world for the better.

In conclusion, the hundred-year-long heritage of the Jashanmal Group represents Tony Jashanmal’s leadership as part of the proof that deeply rooted commitment to innovation, flexibility, and strategic growth may bring a family business to outstanding success.