Be United Welcomes New Treasurer and Non-Executive Director to Strengthen Leadership Team in its 10th Anniversary Year
Be United is proud to announce the appointment of two new key members to its leadership team. As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening the organisation and building a sustainable future, we welcome Zarine Manekshaw as the new Treasurer for Be United (SCIO) and Lara Banjo as the newly appointed Non-Executive Director (NED) for Be United Trading Ltd and Trustee of Be United (SCIO).
In this pivotal 10th anniversary year, the addition of these two accomplished individuals marks an exciting chapter in Be United’s journey, as we continue our mission to support and champion Black people in Scotland’s cultural and creative industries.
Zarine Manekshaw: New Treasurer for Be United (SCIO)
Be United is thrilled to announce the appointment of Zarine Manekshaw as Treasurer on the Board of Trustees.
Zarine Manekshaw is a Chartered Accountant registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). She also holds a Masters in Voluntary Sector Management, with distinction, and a Diploma in Charity Accounting. She has predominantly worked in professional practice having trained at Henderson Loggie before moving to BDO and now with Saffery as an Audit Senior Manager overseeing a portfolio of charity and corporate clients.
With over 18 years of experience advising national and international charity clients, Zarine’s appointment strengthens Be United’s financial stewardship. Zarine said, “As a Chartered Accountant with years of experience in the Charity sector, my appointment provides an opportunity to both give back to the sector and to use my skills to support Be United and its beneficiaries at this important inflection point in its development.”
Lara Banjo: Newly Appointed Non-Executive Director and Trustee
Be United is excited to announce the appointment of Lara Banjo as the newly appointed Non-Executive Director (NED) of Be United Trading Ltd and a Trustee of Be United (SCIO).
Lara Banjo brings over two decades of experience in senior finance roles across various industries, offering a unique blend of financial acumen and strategic insight to Be United. Her extensive background includes positions such as Regional Finance Director EMEA at HSBC Innovation Bank, Regional Business CFO at Standard Chartered Bank, and CFO of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank.
Lara’s expertise spans areas crucial to the success of charitable organisations, including:
- Strategic financial planning and analysis
- Risk management and compliance
- Stakeholder management and board engagement
- Finance transformation and operational efficiency
As a Fellow of the Certified Chartered Accountants Association UK (FCCA) and holder of an MBA with Distinction, Lara possesses the academic credentials to complement her practical experience. Her commitment to community service is evident through her previous volunteer work as a Business Mentor with The Prince Charles Youth Business Trust, where she guided startup companies in London. This experience, combined with her professional background, positions Lara as a valuable asset to Be United’s board.
Lara’s appointment as a Trustee at Be United aligns with her passion for making a positive impact in the community. Her strategic thinking, financial expertise, and leadership skills will undoubtedly contribute to the organisation’s mission and help drive its future success.
Leadership’s Perspective
Both Emma Sithole, Executive Director, and Veronique AA Lapeyre, Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared their enthusiasm for the new appointments:
Emma Sithole, Executive Director, stated: “I am delighted to welcome two new finance Trustees to our Board of Trustees. This year, we have worked with intention to increase the skills on our Board, and welcoming both Zarine and Lara, with their extensive financial experience in both the commercial and charity sectors, is fantastic. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we now have an extremely strong Board that will lead the organisation with commitment and care into its next decade.”
Veronique AA Lapeyre, Chair of Trustees, added: “On behalf of the entire board, I’m thrilled to welcome Lara and Zarine as trustees at Be United. Both bring invaluable insights and expertise, particularly in the financial sector, to our mission as we continue driving positive impact in our community. We’re excited for the journey ahead!”
Looking Ahead
As Be United enters its second decade, the appointments of Zarine Manekshaw and Lara Banjo underscore the organisation’s commitment to sustainable growth, effective governance, and ongoing advocacy for Black individuals in the performing arts, screen, and cultural events sectors. Their expertise is set to enhance Be United’s goal of supporting 500 Black individuals into and up in Scotland’s creative sectors over the next five years. This vision is made possible through the generous funding of Creative Scotland, which supports Be United’s Creative Programmes.
