Leo Burnett celebrates 77+ years with ‘An Inspiring Day, Beautifully Crafted’

Leo Burnett Solutions Inc. (LBSI), the local office of the global advertising network Leo Burnett Worldwide, celebrated its 77th anniversary under the theme ‘77+ – An Inspiring Day, Beautifully Crafted’.

Celebrating seven plus decades of creativity and craftsmanship, Leo Burnett agencies around the world celebrated this occasion around the world under this central theme.

In Sri Lanka, the LBSI team gathered together displaying their own creativity to bring the global theme to life. The preparation for the celebrations began with the invitation which comprised of a Leo Burnett Pencil along with a box of clay.

On the day of the celebrations the Burnetters created clay masterpieces which were showcased at the event, with the ‘most creatively crafted sculpture’ being recognised with a reward. Other activities included apple bobbing, apple carving, etc., in keeping with Leo Burnett’s apple icon.

The décor captured the many recognised icons of the Leo Burnett company – black pencils, apples and stars. The decor, activities and programme were designed to celebrate the vision of the late Leo Burnett – a man whose ‘big ideas’ have truly become larger than life.

Speaking at the celebrations, the company’s Chief Operating Officer Chrishani Kotalawela stated: “The Leo Burnett company has grown internationally and in Sri Lanka and has achieved numerous accolades with each passing year, thus reinforcing the company’s leadership year after year. The late Leo Burnett always believed that creativity has to be at the centre of everything that we do. Therefore we at Leo Burnett have always created an environment which nurtures, stimulates and inspires creativity. The global theme for this year’s anniversary celebrations embodies and encapsulates our hunger for creativity.”

Sachin Ambekar, Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett Colombo further stated: “We look forward to the many years ahead of us, where we would have the opportunity to demonstrate our creative prowess and to bring to life ideas which are inspired by our HumanKind philosophy.”

These celebrations which were simultaneously held around the world still remembers to recognise each individual. This is reflected in one of Leo Burnett’s oldest anniversary practices; an act in which coins equal in number to the years of the anniversary are personally handed to every employee.

This year, the Burnetters each received 77 coins in a beautifully crafted traditional till to reflect the rich past of the Burnett company and to look ahead at an undoubtedly successful future. This annual celebration which takes place in every Burnett office around the world unites every Burnetter and demonstrates the company’s respect for tradition, human values and global unity.

Leo Burnett is one of the world’s leading and most respected advertising networks, known for the creation of several world-famous brand icons such as the Marlboro Man and Tony the Tiger. The agency handles some of the world’s most prestigious brands such as Marlboro, Samsung, Kellogg’s, P&G, McDonalds, Heinz amongst many other leading global brands.

The agency remains one of the most awarded agencies in the world, and is acclaimed as one of the world’s leading creative powerhouse; with the Gunn Report announcing Leo Burnett as the Creative Agency Network of the Year in Asia Pacific for 2011. This year’s anniversary is undoubtedly another milestone for the agency as it represents 77 years of embracing new experiences and ideas inspired by humankind.