User:Colorworksgib/Joseph Gaggero

Joseph Gaggero CBE KHS (born 20 November 1927) is a leading Gibraltarian businessman, President of The Bland Group, a company concentrating their business in Shipping, Aviation and Travel.

Early and personal life
Joseph Gaggero was born in Gibraltar, he is the son of Sir George Gaggero OBE JP and Mabel Andrews-Speed. He was educated at Worth School, West Sussex and later at Downside School, Bath. He has been married twice, firstly to Marilys Healing 1958-1988 one son and one daughter. Secondly to Cristina Russo 1994-2008. In his spare time he enjoys painting and travel. Gaggero is also a member of the Traveller’s Club, London and Valderrama Golf Club, Spain.

Business life
Joseph Gaggero now President of the Bland Group, an international travel, shipping and tourism based group of companies comprising of 15 trading enterprises established in the UK and the Western Mediterranean (Spain, Gibraltar & Morocco).

Other activities
Vice President Moroccan-British Business Council 2007 -. President British Moroccan Soc, Liveryman, GAPAN 1997 -. Patron, Hispanic British Foundation, 1999, Hon Vice President 2009, Gibraltar Philharmonic Orch, KHS (Vatican), Commander, Royal Order of the Polar Star (Sweden) 1991; Commander, Royal Order Al Alaoui (Morocco), 2006. Awarded Gibraltar Government Medallion of Honour, 2009. Inducted: Hall of Fame, Travel and Hospitality Industry, 2007. Awarded: UK Air League Founders Medal, 2007. Publication: Running with the Baton (autobiog), 2005.

Charitable work
The Gaggero Foundation is an independent private charitable body established by his son James Gaggero through the Bland group in 2008. The foundations purpose is to support and initiate programs that aid education, family welfare and community health. The Foundation encourages applications that are consistent with these aims, and has particular interest in supporting the geographic areas of Gibraltar, Morocco and Andalucia.

Other associations
He was a director of the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce between 1951-56, Head of Gibraltar Government Tourist Department 1955-59. Gaggero also served on or led various other Government committees and Gibraltar Trading Associations. He was appointed Honorary Consul General for Sweden in Gibraltar 1971-95.