In Dec, 1979, Rikhi Thakral joined Thakral Group as a young apprentice at an early age of 16 and stayed in Japan for one and half years learning business from his brother Jasvinder, travelling far and wide through the country. Subsequently, he completed his National Service for 2 yrs.… In Oct 1983, Rikhi Thakral started Timepiece Department (TPD), when the HK dollar was pegged to the US dollar. His father’s old friend, Shankar Manjani provided the first consignment of watches on the terms – pay after selling and any loss will be on his account (what an interesting human being!). Rikhi was suggested to go to Lachman of Shah Electronics who explained which watch could be bought and what price to sell. Within 6 months, Rikhi was in Hong Kong buying goods from Mr.Hayashi. These 3 gentlemen have always remained his business masters without which TPD would never have started. During these times, his uncle Harbans Ji supported him very much. In Dec 1983, Angeline joined TPD. In 1985, Rikhi was sent to Nigeria where he stayed for over 6 months during which time SEIKO contacted and the business commenced with them. In 1986, Rikhi visited Vietnam and met two fine gentleman, Mr Tien and Mr. Sau Hau. Until today, they remain best of friends. On 13^th Jan 1990, the 1st overseas company was established at Thakral Group level in Saigon – 56 Dong Khoi. The rest is history.

In 1992, Mr Kartar Singh presented an opportunity for Rikhi to join his trip to Melbourne Australia where there was an opportunistic purchase of a public listed portfolio. Things moved quickly and as God would have it, Thakral Holdings Group (THG) was listed in 1994 and Rikhi was an alternate director and went on to be a Director in 1996 and held various positions as member of the Remuneration Committee, Audit Committee and Investment Committee.

From a purely trading background, Rikhi’s mindset was shaped and evolved having an unbelievable monthly interaction with 3 of the sharpest minds in Australia

Mr. A.E. Harris – Chairman
Mr. Graeme Samuel
Mr. Peter McGovern

For the next 20 years. Rikhi travelled extensively within Australia with more than 200 visits.

In 2012, THG was privatised. This was the start of a new era, where Rikhi with his vast experience was appointed as Investment Advisor to Thakral Corporation Ltd to work closely with the CEO for moving to a new line of real estate markets in Australia. That was the beginning of Retirement Homes under the brand name GEMLIFE in 2017. Consecutively he jointly involved in real estate investment in Japan which is currently growing at an excellent rate.