Ismail is the Executive Director of Melomed Hospital Holdings. After completing his schooling at Diocesan College (Bishops) in 2001, Ismail pursued a Business Science degree at the University of Cape Town, majoring in Finance and Accounting. Ismail then joined the Melomed Group where he has been instrumental in growing the group over the past 12 years. Ismail also serves as a Director and Vice-Chairman of the National Hospital Network, which represents a group of 214 independent healthcare facilities in South Africa and he is on the FNB Islamic Banking advisory board. Ismail is an avid birder and conservationist.