OUR TEAM
GLOBAL ADVISORY BOARD
LORD ANTHONY ST JOHN OF BLESTO
Lord St John of Blesto (Anthony) is a Cross bench/Independent Member of the House of Lords. He was brought up in South Africa, where he qualified as a solicitor. After completing his Masters in Law at London University, he worked as legal counsel for Shell and then an oil analyst/specialist sales for several institutions in the City, including Merrill Lynch, focussing on Sub-Saharan African and the Far East.
He was Managing Director of Globix Europe for 5 years, building it into one of the largest data centre businesses at the time. He is currently Chairman of Strand Hanson, Integrated Diagnostic Holdings plc and Yellow Cake plc and serves on the board of several public and private companies. He was recently a member of the House of Lords Ad Hoc Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence. His specialist interests are cyber security, financial services and life sciences.
Apart from his Parliamentary responsibilities, where he is an executive committee member of several All Party Parliamentary Groups, he is now focussing a lot of his time on promoting business opportunities in Africa. Since 1998 he has served as Extra Lord in Waiting to HM The Queen. He is a Trustee of 6 charities, mostly focussed on education and wildlife conservation.
PHILIP GOUWS
Philip Gouws, born in South Africa in 1976, is a dynamic individual whose life story is a testament to his unwavering resilience and his ability to turn adversity into opportunity. Philip's formative years were shaped by the challenges of growing up in poverty. At the tender age of 12, he entered the workforce, driven by the necessity to contribute to his family's well-being. This early exposure to responsibility laid the foundation for his strong work ethic. He attended PBHS KZN for his primary education and later pursued tertiary education at Damelin, for IMM Business Management (NC).
Philip's professional journey has been characterized by a trajectory of growth and accomplishment. A retail employment opportunity at 14 years of age, soon led him to become a supervisor at one of the country's largest retail chain stores by the age of 17. His affinity for the retail industry, coupled with his passion for surfing, culminated in a new pivotal role as the manager of Rip Curl Retail.
Philip's leadership journey reached new heights when at the age of 22, he assumed the position of retail CEO for Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC under the Boardriders Group. His visionary approach and strategic acumen contributed to the success and retail expansion of these iconic brands. After 14 years in this position and having assisted in the negotiation of the companies buy out to the French principal. Philip has since been an international business consultant, where he has leveraged his experience to provide valuable insights to numerous companies. He has held positions on boards, served as an advisor and executive, and contributed to various aspects of business development. His expertise are business development, strategy, negotiation of M&A and Exits, project development and implementation, establishment of global offices and licensing. This role marked the beginning of his extensive global travel, as he embarked on projects across five continents and in seven countries, solidifying his reputation as a global business strategist.
Philips passions extend far beyond the boardroom. For 35 years, he has been an avid surfer, traveling to remote locations worldwide in pursuit of the perfect wave. His commitment to his Christian faith has seen him attend Bible College, and he has remained devoted to his first wife for 25 years. His heart for giving back is evident in his philanthropic endeavors. His dedication to eradicating poverty, restoring the homeless, and rescuing the youth from societal challenges is unwavering. Through his work and influence, he aims to create a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate, embodying the true spirit of a compassionate leader.
BRIAN ESPOSITO
Ranked among the world’s top 10 CEOs for 2020 & 2021 in The World CEO Rankings Awards by Adria Management LLC, Brian J. Esposito is the founder and CEO of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises. An award-winning serial entrepreneur and business leader, he is recently renowned for being a core part of an innovative team to build Nodle the world’s largest wireless network and ecosystem of connected devices and as well as Turrncoin, a registered SEC digital security that on a monthly basis shares 100% of thee revenue generated from its TheXchange’s VirtualStaX platform to all Turncoin holders. TurnCoin is the only revenue sharing digital security that derives its value and yield from the sale of VirtualStaX. The Xchange is the First Global Talent Exchange and a one-of-a-kind platform that set to completely reimagine and disrupt the global fan economy. Turncoin is presently sitting at just under a $15b and has the full support and investment from tremendous icons such as Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, Randy Jackson, David Meltzer, Luke Bryan, Von Miller, Cam Jordan, Wendell Carter, and many more to continue to be announced. For one of his early businesses, which ranked among The Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. 5000 for six consecutive years. In December 2019, as well as August of 2022, he was featured in The Corporate Investment Times, the next-gen investment magazine in the Middle East. Recognized in 2021 as one of the Top 100 People In Real Estate as well as in 2022 recognized as one of thee Top 100 Innovators and Entrepreneurs. In 2022, he co-led the development and launch of ChainTech Labs, licensed and registered out of the DIFC in Dubai, UAE. ChainTech Labs is the holder of NFT project sensations and communities such as BAPES/BAPES CLAN, CubeX, Apiens, and Bloodlines. ChainTech Labs also developed a revolutionary NFT airlines rewards system in partnership with Etihad Airways. With over 20 years of experience in high-profile executive roles involving complex business challenges and high-stakes decisions, Brian founded Esposito Intellectual Enterprises (EIE) in New York in 2013. Wholly owned by Brian, EIE currently consists of 90+ entities, 150+ joint ventures that have been accumulated around the world, and proudly operates in over 25 industry focuses. There is just one degree separating any industry or market that Brian may want to enter into and do business in. With a technique that he spent years perfecting, Brian connects not only the right people, but the right people at the right time. “Integrity is at the core of who we are and what we do at EIE. We strive to do good business with good people,” he says.
BOARD MEMBERS
GRAEME HORNBY
Graeme Hornby, a native of South Africa, has carved a distinguished path as an entrepreneur and business leader. Born in South Africa, Graeme's journey of professional excellence began with a solid education at St Albans College, where he laid the foundation for his future achievements. In 2005, Graeme embarked on a new chapter in his personal life as he exchanged vows in marriage. He is a loving husband and proud father of two children, finding inspiration and support in his family as he continues to strive for excellence in his career.
With a career spanning over three decades, Graeme has demonstrated his prowess in building and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures across diverse industries. He possesses an innate ability to navigate the complexities of media, design, and retail investment, a skill honed over twenty years of dedicated effort. Notably, his contributions did not go unnoticed, and he was awarded the prestigious Investec Entrepreneur award in 2001 – a testament to his innovative thinking and strategic acumen.
Further diversifying his portfolio, Graeme delved into healthcare and retail property investment and development, spending four fruitful years mastering these domains. This expansion of his expertise allowed him to develop a comprehensive perspective on business and investment.
In 2011, Graeme co-founded Micore Solutions, a dynamic venture that embodies his commitment to business development and ownership. At Micore Solutions (Pty) Ltd., he has established a stronghold in business incubation, nurturing both emerging and established enterprises. With an unwavering focus on catalyzing growth and facilitating international expansion, Graeme's leadership has been pivotal in positioning Micore Solutions as a beacon of entrepreneurial success.
Graeme Hornby's professional journey is marked by his role as an adept director in the marketing and advertising arena. His wealth of experience shines through as he guides businesses towards success, leveraging his deep understanding of entrepreneurship, sales, and advertising.
As a skilled business developer, coach, and entrepreneur, Graeme possesses a unique blend of talents that have been instrumental in his accomplishments. His vision and dedication have led him to co-create Micore Solutions, an enterprise with a clear mission – to propel growth and drive projects to global heights.
In summary, Graeme Hornby's life story is one of continuous growth, innovation, and dedication. From his early education to his role as a family man and his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, Graeme exemplifies the spirit of a visionary leader who relentlessly seeks opportunities to accelerate growth and expand projects on the international stage.
CHRIS TRIMBLE
Chris is an experienced Senior Sales and Marketing Executive with a demonstrated history over 25 years of global experience in the FMCG, Automotive and Media industry. He has lived in over 5 overseas countries including Germany, Australia, Malaysia, China and Dubai, having worked for numerous global blue chip companies.
He is an analytical thinker with advanced communication skills and possesses an innate ability to build formidable and long lasting relationships with business partners and clients. Chris is currently based in Dubai, UAE, as CEO and Director of Micore Solution Middle East (Motion Icon’s Master License Holder for the Middle East Region, which includes all GCC countries, Iran, Egypt and Lebanon).
MICORE SOLUTIONS USA
ASHER ROSS
Asher Ross is an experienced operator in the real estate and construction industries, specialising in investment and development opportunities in luxury markets. As CEO of Ross Builders, a General Construction Firm licensed in California, Asher has built designer custom homes and multi-family properties on behalf of principals and investment groups over the past decade. Asher has facilitated the state/local/municipal entitlements as well as directed the planning, design and construction of numerous projects, including multiple beach homes valued over 20M, leading Ross Builders to become a preferred General Contractor in Malibu, CA.
As an investor, Asher has overseen deals across the Southwest USA - buying, redeveloping, and operating/selling investment real estate properties, including sourcing and currently operating the Broadway Industrial Commerce Center adjacent to Phoenix Arizona Sky Harbor Airport.
As a partner in Ross Brothers Real Estate Brokerage, Asher has led the negotiations for hundreds of acquisition/sales in Southern California and the Southwest USA, and has been a licensed real estate salesperson and real estate appraiser since 2005. Prior to the real estate and construction industries, Asher worked as a designer and manufacturer of men’s and women’s clothing labels, earning the “Top 30 Under 30” Award from “Entertainment Tonight!” for Design.
MICORE SOLUTIONS MIDDLE EAST
CHRIS TRIMBLE
Chris is an experienced Senior Sales and Marketing Executive with a demonstrated history over 25 years of global experience in the FMCG, Automotive and Media industry. He has lived in over 5 overseas countries including Germany, Australia, Malaysia, China and Dubai, having worked for numerous global blue chip companies.
He is an analytical thinker with advanced communication skills and possesses an innate ability to build formidable and long lasting relationships with business partners and clients. Chris is currently based in Dubai, UAE, as CEO and Director of Micore Solution Middle East (Motion Icon’s Master License Holder for the Middle East Region, which includes all GCC countries, Iran, Egypt and Lebanon).
MICORE SOLUTIONS CANADA
FRED JACOBSOHN
Dr. Jacobsohn is a specialist general surgeon completing medical school and residency in South-Africa. He moved to Canada 18 years ago. In the course of his career he has had extensive “on the ground” experience ranging from impoverished rural settings in South Africa to state-of-the-art first world establishments giving him a unique insight into the various health care needs. His passion has always been more than just providing medical care but rather incorporating health care and business to create an innovative and sustainable model adaptable to different environments. Being part of Micore Solutions creates this opportunity by having the ability to tailor different solutions to individuals and institutions. He currently lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia with his wife and 2 children.
