Business
dentsu Grant appoints Bakmee Perera to its leadership team
dentsu Grant Group announced the appointment of Bakmee Perera as Director Communications Planning and Media Strategy.
The industry veteran with 14+ years of experience will overlook consumer insights, media strategy, planning, data analytics and innovation while spearheading the CXM (Customer Experience Management) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) business in collaboration with Merkel Sokrati – a global data-driven CXM and CRM company, part of dentsu International, specialising in the delivery of unique, personalized customer experiences across a gamut of platforms and devices.
“Media is morphing at breakneck pace, enabling never-before opportunities to meaningfully engage with our consumers. dentsu’s track record of staying ahead of the curve, creating truly sustainable value is how we become trusted partners, not just to our clients, but to each other and the world around us”, commented Divya Karani, Chief Executive Officer – Media South Asia of dentsu.
“Our handpicked teams are nimble, adaptable and inclusive. Teaming across the dentsu world and beyond, seamlessly coming together as one. It is with this same spirit, I would like to welcome our new team-member, Bakmee to our dentsu Sri Lanka operation. I am certain she will fearlessly forge pathways in bringing alive dentsu’s passion for never before possibilities”, Karani added.
Bakmee has played a leading role in positioning leading FMCG, BFI and Telco brands in Sri Lanka in the hearts and minds of consumers. “We are at the cutting edge of innovation in the media industry, redefining the whole nexus of strategically connecting a brand with the consumer and how we enhance and grow that experience”, Bakmee Perera, Director Communications Planning and Media Strategy for dentsu Grant Group said.
“This is what excites me about joining a global team that is pushing the boundaries to bring holistic innovation and delivering market-first solutions to bridge the balance between data led strategy and creativity”, she said.
Innovation and embracing change have always been at the core of dentsu Grant’s DNA and the spark that has helped establish some of the most memorable brands that are household names today.
“We have many firsts under our belt, but now we are in a space where first is not good enough. We need to be fast,” Chairperson and Managing Director – dentsu Grant Group, Neela Marikkar said. “Bakmee will work with our Director, Media Services Chaminda Dias and brand teams in rolling out a multi-pronged strategy, which combines historic knowledge with real-time data and analytics to bring engaging brand experiences on a multitude of platforms”, she added.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”