Leo Burnett Sri Lanka conducts 11th edition of annual review

Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Head of Operations Mehnaz Ilhamdeen receiving the ‘Star Reacher award’ (from left): Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Managing Director Ranil De Silva, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Head of Operations Mehnaz Ilhamdeen, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Chief Strategy Officer Murtaza A. Tajbhoy, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Arosha Perera, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Director People and Culture Kumudini Gomes, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Director, Digital Strategy Marsh Dodanwela

Leo Burnett Sri Lanka, the local office of the global advertising network Leo Burnett Worldwide recently conducted its annual review for the 11th consecutive year to celebrate the agency’s achievements in 2016 and to articulate its plans for 2017. The event took place at the Hilton Residences and was attended by the entire Leo Burnett team, who came together in a spirit of camaraderie to celebrate yet another year of success and creative excellence.

An inspiring video was the curtain raiser which showcased the agency’s achievements, milestones and the most exciting moments of 2016; after which, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Managing Director Ranil de Silva addressed the gathering and proposed a toast to celebrate the many successes of 2016. He proceeded to outline the strategy the company will pursue to fulfil its ambitions in the year ahead. Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Arosha Perera emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships with every client and urged the teams to deliver results with every campaign. Each department head presented their annual performance review and explained their future plans in detail, whilst shedding light on the initiatives that will be pursued to achieve their goals. Every presenter focused on the importance of growth, the need to pursue integration and the need to charter a course in digital media, whilst staying true to the company’s HumanKind philosophy. The importance of continuously innovating to reach new levels of creative excellence was repeatedly expressed. 

At the event, several awards were presented to high performing Burnetters who had demonstrated zeal and talent in their work whilst delivering results. Mehnaz Ilhamdeen – Head of Operations, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka was recognised as the agency’s Star Reacher – an award that is annually presented to a dynamic professional who embodies the values and commitment of Leo Burnett himself, and demonstrates an ability to reach for the stars. The Broadcast and Photography Production department emerged as the winners of the ‘Best Department of the Year award’, while Arc Worldwide Sri Lanka secured the ‘Best Business Unit of the Year award’. Burnetters who had actively participated in the agency’s annual training calendar were rewarded in keeping with the company’s commitment to continuously groom and grow its team.

Broadcast and Photography Production department receiving the ‘Best Department of the Year award’ (from left): Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Arosha Perera, Wimansha Dusanthi, Dalreen Ismail, Eranga Hemajith, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Director, Broadcast and Photography Production Jude Benedict, Chamari Priyabashini, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Managing Director Ranil De Silva 

Arc Worldwide Sri Lanka receiving the ‘Best Business Unit of the Year award’ (from left): Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Arosha Perera, Jayan C. Jayasinghe, Shahzaad Zahirsha, Arc Worldwide Sri Lanka Director, Engagement Planning Wasim Akram, Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Managing Director Ranil De Silva

Commenting on the agency’s success in 2016 and its future plans, Ranil de Silva said, “To be the most awarded marketing communications company in the country we must always encourage our team and inspire them to surpass our performance objectives and always fulfil our role to our valued clients by delighting them with our work.” He also emphasised on the importance of practicing the HumanKind philosophy to ensure that we deliver excellence in our work. He also stated that he will focus on enhancing the internal climate and further activating the Leo Burnett culture. He profusely thanked the team for the successes they helped to secure in 2016 and stated, “I look forward to the agency maintaining its momentum of growth in the year ahead.”

A fresher to Leo Burnett’s creative team stated, “The annual review was an important briefing for me as it provided me a comprehensive overview of the previous year and shared the excitement that waits us in 2017.” Another Burnetter stated, “I was able to understand the role that each department plays in the agency’s success and to appreciate their individual contributions to the agency. 

Leo Burnett Sri Lanka Chief Executive Officer Arosha Perera stated, “The annual review provides an excellent platform for aligning the goals of each individual in the agency team. It also helps to ensure we are all on the same page and are working towards the same objectives and have a shared vision. I look forward to the year ahead and hope that we will be able to continue to set the bar high for creative excellence in the local marketing communications industry.

As Leo Burnett celebrates its 18th year of operations in Sri Lanka and looks ahead to the future, the agency will continue to focus on its HumanKind approach to help build powerful brands and meaningful partnerships with its clients, while delivering gratifying results and gaining peer recognition in the industry.