Business
JAT Holdings appoints overseas market expert, Gaurav Jain as Director – International Business Development to drive global expansion
JAT Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s trusted industry leader in wood coatings, recently announced the appointment of Gaurav Jain, as the company’s new Director – International Business Development. With three decades of global experience that spans over five continents, Gaurav will overlook international business operations as part of JAT’s strategy to consolidate and grow business in international markets, a key factor in the long-term investment priorities following their recent Initial Public Offering (IPO).
With decades of unparalleled experience in international markets, Gaurav Jain is an industry professional specializing in identifying and maximizing overseas market opportunities for business development. Gaurav has gained exposure working in global companies listed in the New York and Norwegian Stock Exchange overseeing key international markets in Africa, South Asia, Europe, North & South America and in the Middle East playing a pivotal role in international market expansion and successfully delivering top-line sales and profitability, whilst increasing customer bases in over 20 countries.
Commenting on the new appointment, Nishal Ferdinando – CEO of JAT Holdings PLC said, “We are proud to announce the new appointment of Gaurav Jain who will be overlooking our international business expansion which is focused on Africa and South Asia as well as other international opportunities. Gaurav has a proven record of business experience and exposure across South Asia and Africa, which are key markets involved in JAT’s strategic expansion. Gaurav has also worked with LG Harris & Co. UK, the parent company of Harris brushes and rollers, a flagship brand represented and manufactured by JAT in Sri Lanka.”
He also stated, “This appointment further strengthens JAT’s strong focus and commitment towards achieving several of its key growth initiatives, maintaining financial strength and stability through strategic expansions and investments in South Asia and Africa. We look forward to Gaurav’s contribution, which will undoubtedly drive significant value for all our stakeholders.”
Prior to his appointment, Gaurav has held many senior management positions in reputed companies across the globe. Beginning his career in 1989 in India, he was soon promoted to Assistant General Manager, following which he moved to Curacao, a Dutch Caribbean Island as an Import-Export Manager. Within three years he took over operations as Business and Sales Manager was given the responsibility to manage the principal office in Caracas, Venezuela – where sales significantly increased by three-fold within three years. He later became a Logistics Controller in Birmingham UK before joining L G Harris & Co. where he ended up spearheading International Markets in his tenure of 11 years. Prior to his appointment at JAT, Gaurav was overseeing international markets for ACCO Brands UK, a part of the NYSE listed ACCO Brands.
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.”