With roots dating back to 1919, ‘Jashanmal’ is a household name across the Middle East. The group began trading in Basra, Iraq, with a single store. Today, executive director Tony Jashanmal leads a UAE-based corporation with multi-channel activities across the GCC and India. The retail arm of the firm operates more than 100 stores across five countries, while Jashanmal’s distribution and wholesale division supplies a network covering some 1,000 points of sale. Its interests range from logistics to travel and retail, with a diverse product group that includes home appliances, luggage and print media. Executive director Tony joined the company in 1971 and his son is already being groomed to take over the business and continue on the Jashanmal heritage.