Experience

Expack Corrugated Cartons Pvt Ltd
• Non Executive Director

  • Jul 2021 - Present


Keells Food Products PLC

• Sri Lanka
• Chemical Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Non -Exec Director/Board Member

  • Jun 2016 - Present

  Owned by Sri lanka's largest listed conglomerate.Keells foods is the market leader Keells has led the industry through strategic investments in state of the art food processing technology, quality control systems and an aggressive Company wide R&D orientation. Keells is the only processed meat manufacturing Company awarded SLS for its quality of product and process. Owned by Sri lanka's largest listed conglomerate.Keells foods is the market leader Keells has led the industry through strategic investments in state of the art food processing technology, quality control systems and an aggressive Company wide R&D orientation. Keells is the only processed meat manufacturing Company awarded SLS for its quality of product and process.



NTT Neelan Thiruchelvam Trust

• Board of Trustees

  • Jan 2013 - Present

  The Trust is an indigenous philanthropic organization that supports those working towards and advocating for social justice, human rights, peace and reconciliation. NTT is a founding member of the Foundations for Peace Network, which comprises 14 indigenous grant makers from across the world working on peace and related issues in their respective countries. It is also a member of the International Human Rights Funders Group (IHRFG), Worldwide Initiatives for grant maker Support (WINGS) and Civicus.



IIT

• United States
• Technology, Information and Internet

• Member Of The Management Board

  • May 2016 - Present

  The Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) was established in 1990 as the first private higher education institute that awards reputed British degrees in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Business. Over the course of two decades IIT has not only established itself as a pioneer in education but has also produced many successful entrepreneurs and engineers that have contributed to both local and international corporate and government entities. Up to date, IIT has produced over 3000 graduates that are now in leadership rolls in many leading technology companies across the globe. IIT boast an inimitable record of 100% employment of its alumni. Most IIT alumni are employed in leading organisations including John Keells, Unilever, Aitken Spence, IBM, Hatton National Bank, Informatics, Millenium IT, Fonterra, Zone 24 x 7, WSO2, Brandix, Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS), Commercial Bank, NDB, Vanik, Virtusa etc. Some have even ventured into setting up their own business. IIT graduates are also employed in the UK, Germany, USA, Singapore, Middle-East, Australia and the Maldives.



Sarvodaya Development Finance

• Sri Lanka
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Non Exec Director

  • Jul 2019 - Present

  Sarvodaya Development Finance is the pioneer in micro finance in Sri Lanka currently operating 51 branches located mostly in rural villages. It has focused on empowering entrepreneurs for over 30 years. The organization evolved from a deep rooted commitment to nation building and development along the ‘grass roots upwards’ model of its parent, the Sarvodaya Movement. Guided by the social philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and the teachings of Dr. A.T Ariyaratne is currently the oldest non-governmental organization in the country.Today, while the Sarvodaya Movement is engaged in its own development activities in over 5000 villages, Sarvodaya Development Finance (SDF) has launched its own foundation COEXIST focused on empowering village based entrepreneurs and farmers, who are engaged through their products and produce to support sustainability.



Environment Foundation Limited(EFL)

• Board Trustee

  • Jul 2016 - Apr 2021

  EFL is a non profit company that has protected and conserved Sri Lanka’s environment .EFL has implemented projects with the aim of protecting biodiversity, enhancing resource management and disseminating awareness on conservation issues.Following its first legal case in the Supreme Court, EFL handled over 200 cases, achieving significant victories in the Eppawala Phosphate Case, the Kandalama Hotel Case and the Galle Face Green Case. Two critical cases handled by EFL include the Air Pollution Case, where EFL convinced the government to make vehicle emissions mandatory as well as the Case on the Protection of Wetland Ecosystems, which resulted in a halt in the filling of the Muthurajawala Wetland, and initiated the establishment of the National Wetlands Policy. EFL was also an intervenient party in two noteworthy Supreme Court cases; Maha Oya Sand Mining Case and the Noise Pollution Case, which have both concluded successfully. Currently, EFL is handling 3 major cases; the construction of roads within Wipattu National Park, the protection of watershed forests to mitigate threats by climate change and the impending water crisis in the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve and the Udawalawe Case. EFL is also in the process of lobbying for the initiation of stricter industrial pollution controls, and water quality monitoring along important rivers.



IESC - International Executive Service Corps

• United States
• International Trade and Development
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director Partnerships, YouLead!

  • Jul 2017 - Jun 2019

  YouLead! is implemented by IESC/Vega in partnership with Arizona State University, Global Communities, American Chamber of Commerce, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Skills for Life, and Verité Research.This four-year, $12 million project in Sri Lanka will improve technical and vocational education and training and increase the employability of young people in Sri Lanka. YouLead! will create a more skilled and flexible workforce by undertaking activities that support and strengthen students, teachers, and institutions.



Emojot Inc

• IT Services and IT Consulting

• VP Marketing and Strategy Asia and Middle East

  • 2015 - Jan 2019

  Emojot Inc., a global pioneer in real-time emotion based software platform with complex event processing capability to track customer sentiment. Emojot technology is patent-pending in the USA. Emojis are the fastest growing language and Emojot is currently the only technology platform in the world that can instantly analyse streaming crowd perceptions to meaningfully respond to targeted client segments in real-time. It uses emojis to capture moment-by-moment sentiment in a language agnostic manner and has a built-in gratification process. See more at: http://www.ft.lk/article/467185/SL-startup-Emojot-s-platform-for-real-time-emotive-feedback-ranked-among-top-3-event-technologies-in-Australia#sthash.NA3beqSZ.dpuf Headquartered in Silicon Valley, USA, Emojot has offices in Australia, and Sri Lanka. The co-founders together amass five decades of combined global experience working in related domains as well as in successful technology and innovation startups, enterprises, government and research institutions.



The Music Project

• United Kingdom
• Civic and Social Organizations

• Board of Trustees

  • 2015 - 2019

  The Music Project is inspired by El Sistema of Venezuela, which has over 300,000 schoolchildren playing in over 400 Orchestras. In Sri Lanka the Music Project aims to build Orchestral communities in the north and south of the country in an endeavour to use Music as a link language of love and social cohesion in post conflict reconciliation. The Music Project is inspired by El Sistema of Venezuela, which has over 300,000 schoolchildren playing in over 400 Orchestras. In Sri Lanka the Music Project aims to build Orchestral communities in the north and south of the country in an endeavour to use Music as a link language of love and social cohesion in post conflict reconciliation.



Janashakthi Insurance PLC

• Sri Lanka
• Information Technology & Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• GM- Marketing and Sales

  • Sep 2011 - Dec 2014

  Janashakthi insurance is a leading composite Insurer in Sri Lanka with a consolidated revenue of 9.9 bln and 2000 plus salesforce. The company has recorded its highest ever profits crossing the SLR one billion PAT mark and has won several wards from NCE Business Excellence Gold to Global Marketing, sustainability and Annual report awards. Janashakthi insurance is a leading composite Insurer in Sri Lanka with a consolidated revenue of 9.9 bln and 2000 plus salesforce. The company has recorded its highest ever profits crossing the SLR one billion PAT mark and has won several wards from NCE Business Excellence Gold to Global Marketing, sustainability and Annual report awards.



Foetus International

• Sweden
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Group Director- Strategy

  • Jun 2009 - Feb 2011

  Malaysia's largest integrated communication's group .Local investor in several leading Omnicom agencies . Omnicom is one of the world's largest communication group holding companies.Companies within the local group include several best in class players in the marketing communication arena. Naga DDB(Advertising) Rapp(Data base management / CRM )Tribal (Interactive and online ) Milk and Co (Advertising)MNC Wireless(mobile content)NeXgen ( digital game technologies )Vizeum(media buying), Beyond Events(experiential marketing/music marketing and artist management)DDB PR (PR), Faces (magazine publishing )etc.



Interbrand Malaysia

• Managing Director

  • Mar 2008 - May 2009

  Part of Omnicom . Interbrand is the worlds largest brand consultancy, that pioneered brand valuation methodology . It authors the annual ranking of “The Best Global Brands,” published by BusinessWeek, Interbrand has offices in over 30 cities in more than 20 countries around the globe and clients from among the most respected businesses. Part of Omnicom . Interbrand is the worlds largest brand consultancy, that pioneered brand valuation methodology . It authors the annual ranking of “The Best Global Brands,” published by BusinessWeek, Interbrand has offices in over 30 cities in more than 20 countries around the globe and clients from among the most respected businesses.



DDB PR

• United States
• Music

• GM

  • Mar 2005 - Sep 2007

  won new retainer business in health care communication to position Malaysia in medical tourism (Ministry of Health) Prince Court hospital.(Petronas/Medical University of Vienna ) and the multiple award winning SOS Rhino account. etc.. won new retainer business in health care communication to position Malaysia in medical tourism (Ministry of Health) Prince Court hospital.(Petronas/Medical University of Vienna ) and the multiple award winning SOS Rhino account. etc..



Clinch advertising

• Nepal
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director Strategy

  • 2003 - Sep 2005

  • Developed communication Strategies for Pakistan Tobacco (Offshore strategy and design assignment for market leading brand), 3M, Bank of Ceylon, Development Lotteries, Carlsberg,First Capital, Nestle, etc. • Plan International-Country Communication and Marketing consultancy, developing a communication plan for the Universal Birth Registration, advocacy strategy. And a tsunami related education strategy on coping with grief for schools. “Searching for Punchi” the publication is a first of its kind into the education system for post tsunami affected Asian nations. Several other ad hoc communication on health, hygiene, HIV education, etc • Plan International – introduced and championed the multi award winning Children of the sea .(UNICEF and Edinburgh Fringe festival award) • Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) communication strategy for MAS “Women Go Beyond programme”. A unique differentiating strategy (INSEAD case study) evolved by MAS one of the leading transnational apparel manufacturing groups in Sri Lanka. Helped conceptualize and develop the Profiles of Courage stories of these Empowered Women. (MAS is the only Asian company to win a global APFA- America Apparel and Footwear Association awards for this CSR initiate)



ESP Consult.

• Media Production

• CEO-Chief Executive Officer

  • 2002 - Mar 2005

  • Lead consultant- Nathan Inc.(USA). Firm level competitiveness study for the Competitiveness Programme(TCP) on Hemas Group and Ceylon Biscuits ltd, two of Sri Lanka’s most successful companies.. • International Labour Organization (ILO/UN ) National, Specialist Consultant for inequalities component (gender / ethnicity and disability of the National Action Plan for Youth Employment. YEN-Youth Employment Network) • National Consultant NORAD.( Norwegian Development Organization) Wrote the funding proposal ,t set up manage and operate the SCEDF –the Southern Chambers Enterprise Development Fund • Brand Consultant- workshop for SME’s on Understanding branding for Tourism and Spices clusters (GTZ Consultant) (GTZ is a leading German Development organization). • Diagnostics and restructuring consultant -ILO-funded report on “Tharuna Aruna”- Graduate skills development programme appointed by Government and private sector as part of liaison team to help World Bank consultants /team, . .Subsequently put on board to manage restructure • Consultant ILO -Wrote the funding document for Chamber of Commerce/ ILO/ MOEL(Ministry of Employment and Labour)/ NORAD to set up JOBSNET- Sri Lanka’s first electronic sourcing and matching employment network.- two of the fastest funding to implementation roll out programmes in public/private/ donor interface. • Former market development partner for Sri Lanka for Zee Interactive Limited (ZILS) ZILS is a 100% subsidiary of Zee Telefilms . The e- learning venture (US$ 7 mln) of the Essel Group (US$ 550 mln group), was in integrated education services-content, access and training. • Created PET- People Employment of Technology and SETTLE- Social Equity through Teaching and Learning English two programs for Developing Sri Lanka as a Brain port. • Tourism consultant -Steering Committee member to set GTZ led action plan to help alternate tourism sector prepare value chain promotion (VCP)



Board of Investment sri lanka

• Deputy Director General

  • 2000 - 2002

  Deputy Director General Promotions, Headhunted and brought in to help restructure the BOI as the BFIB-Bureau of Foreign Investment Promotion to be more market driven and strategic. The Board of Investment was the one stop shop for investment approval with wide ranging powers overriding tax and customs law. Responsible for promoting Sri Lanka to the international business community, that included international marketing and new web-based marketing strategies for awareness creation.. Achieved 2nd place ranking among Asian Investment agencies, by Euro Money’s “Corporate Locations” magazine. • Helped develop sectorial approach to marketing Sri Lanka. - For key industry sectors. e.g. Ceramics, Rubber, Information Technology, Tourism. • Contributed to policy formulation as a member of the joint ministerial committee on IT policy. Headed marketing task force for internationalizing IT sector in Sri Lanka • Worked on a collaborative imaging campaign with the taskforce on national planning for Tourism development. . Coordinated the Development international campaign “Treasure island” for Sri Lanka tourism (CNN) • Revamped BO communication including award winning website, and 4 part documentary CNBC series on Apparel/ IT/ FTA/ Tourism sectors. • Developed Lanka link web partnering program for Sri Lankan SME’s with Cap Gemini/Ernst and Young and Reverse brain drain site with JE Austin (USAID) and Ceylon Chamber. • Represented BOI and Government in Joint Economic Council for enhancing bilateral trade and investment between Sri Lanka and India. • Participated in several international road shows to promote investment into Sri Lanka including The World Economic forum



Eagle NDB Fund Management (laterZurich NDB)

• Marketing consultant and Board Director

  • 1997 - 2000

  Provided consulting services to the fund management subsidiary of NDB , which was a joint venture between NDB and Zurich Financial Services Group. Launched marketing plan and communication strategies to launch at that time Sri Lanka’s fastest growing Unit Trust/mutual fund , which gained 60% market share of new market entrants in the first year. Provided consulting services to the fund management subsidiary of NDB , which was a joint venture between NDB and Zurich Financial Services Group. Launched marketing plan and communication strategies to launch at that time Sri Lanka’s fastest growing Unit Trust/mutual fund , which gained 60% market share of new market entrants in the first year.



NDB- National Development Bank

• Financial Services

• Asistant General Manager marketing and strategic planning

  • 1997 - 2000

  Assistant General Manager – Marketing & Strategic Planning for group companies • Sri Lanka’s leading Development Finance Institute (DFI) that made a successful transition towards Universal banking with key strategic consultancy from Mckinsey’s and ICICI and strategic alliances with Citi Group(investment banking)Insurance (Zurich )ERM (Environment Research UK consultancy and NDB tie-up)Ayojana Venture Capital (CDC UK and NDB tie-up)NDBS- Stockbrokers (DBS Bank Singapore and NDB)NDB Housing Finance (with HDFC India) Wrote market entry plans for this ). Spearheaded a corporate re-imaging program for NDB to upgrade its image from a parochial public sector company to a cosmopolitan private sector one, as it moved towards its goal of becoming a Universal Bank . • Built Corporate responsibility program for up-holding national/community commitment role, whilst driving to be a more profit centered private sector institution. • Conceived and implemented programmes such as “Developing Young Minds”, ‘Planet Internet’, The MRI scanner Charity cap drive, The CEO’s Round Table, NDB Productivity Awards and the first Women’s Entrepreneur awards. Broke new ground with lead sponsorship on existing entrepreneur and export awards. Revamped the magazine’s editorial stance and look • Marketing campaigns included Smile 4/ SMAP and E-friends launch/ marketing and communication to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs. • Communication and launch of Eagle/ Zurich Merger • Launch of NDB Corporate Bond • Subsidiary Group marketing and overseeing of / all public relations and communication for Citi-National -City Bank/NDB tie-up



Naga DDB

• Malaysia
• Advertising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Strategic Planning

  • 1993 - 1997

  1NAGA DDB - Malaysia (Part of OMNICOM /DDB Group) Director, Strategic Planning & Head of DDB Public Relations • Naga DDB is a part of OMNICOM, one of the largest communication groups in the world. DDB is a leading US multinational Ad Agency network known for its Planning Systems and cutting edge creativity. • NAGA DDB grew from a 35 mn RM company to Malaysia’s No 2 agency with a billing of 100 mn RM during this period of 3 years. Today Naga DDB stands as No I in Malaysia. Strategic Planning (regional) – Won new business for Agency, for Regional Strategies. • Mobil Synergy campaign. The campaign strategy and creative won over – Hong Kong & Singapore offices –ran in Singapore/Hong Kong/Guam/Latin America The US Pacific Territories also adopted the strategy. This strategy broke new ground with regional structure of plan implementation in Mobil, with a total re-thinking of the original positioning for the launch of a new synthetic gasoline for Mobil. Generated 14% increase in sales in Malaysian market plateuing at about 7% increase. • New Peter Stuyvesant re-imaging strategy– the Agency’s No 1 account.. Took new dimension of the Marlboro freedom concept in the award winning “Breakaway” campaign • Hasbro-Playdoh regional account. Won over Hong Kong/Singapore offices. To be run in entire Asian region. The kindergarten penetration strategy is being considered for the US markets too. (Hasbro is the 2nd largest toy company in the world. Playdoh is their flagship brand having a heritage of over 40 years. I helped to put together the first brand guideline on positioning, communication strategies and graphic guidelines for the region). • Cadbury.-THINK CHOCOLATE-THINK CADBURY Campaign. Regionally won and interfaced with Cadbury Australia.



New Zealand Milk Products Lanka - (Now Fonterra)

• Marketing Director

  • 1991 - 1993

  Responsible for entire Marketing division of the company then Sri Lanka’s leading brand of full cream milk powder. • Successfully launched a second brand of milk powder Rathi, with separate sales force, which gained 5% market share in the first year and was the only successful Milk Powder introduction in the prior 5 years.Rathi became one of the strongest Milk brands in the market. • Worked on strategic plan for market diversification from a single product single brand company to a multi-brand multi product one, and to diversify into dairy related product lines such as yogurt. • The Anchor nutrition campaign won the SLIM Gold for advertising campaign of the year 1993. • Anchor market leadership strategies over Nestle –Nesprey were used as a regional role model for replication across ME and East Asia. • Market entry work on Analene. • Helped local shareholder group with Cookie business acquisition and launch out of Australia and Pepsi market strat run out of group subsidiary ,