JWT appoints new President for Sri Lanka

Thayalan promoted to Chief Operating Officer JWT Jakarta

In a move that represents JWT’s dedication to deploying the best talent from around the network to pursue international opportunities, Michael Maedel, President and CEO of JWT Asia Pacific today announced the promotion of Thayalan Bartlett, current CEO of JWT Colombo to the role of Chief Operating Officer, JWT Jakarta.

Assuming the position as President at JWT Colombo is Himanshu Saxena who brings with him 18 years of experience across advertising, branding, consumer research and sales — contributing to his unique multi-disciplinary business background.

Himanshu’s strategic and creative experience comes from the positions he has held at leading advertising agencies in India: McCann Worldgroup T.A.G., Lowe Lintas, McCann Erickson and Trikaya Grey where he worked on brands such as Unilever, Marico, AT&T, HSBC, Idea Cellular, Mauritius Tourism, Barclays, amongst others.

Colvyn Harris, JWT India CEO said, “Thayalan has done an exceptional job in taking the Colombo office to the healthy place it is at today. We are more than confident that with Himanshu’s breadth and depth of experience with top agencies and clients, along with his keen business sense, the office will continue to prosper and grow. We look forward to ushering in a new era at JWT Colombo under Himanshu’s lead.”  

Among Himanshu’s many accolades include a Grand India Effie for Saffola which also went on to win an APAC Bronze Effie. In 2007, Himanshu won the Yahoo! Big Idea Chair Award for Parachute Advansed in the category, Best-Integrated Campaign using Digital Media.

As COO of Jakarta, Thayalan will fill a new position created by the JWT Jakarta President, Lulut Asmoro, with whom he will work closely. This assignment makes Thayalan the first JWT Sri Lankan CEO to be named Chief Operating Officer of a JWT office internationally.

“Thayalan’s appointment strengthens our management team at an opportune time for Indonesia. With his knowledge of JWT and passion for the business, I couldn’t think of a better person to partner with me in optimising the agency’s growth strategy moving forward,” Lulut said.

Thayalan took the helm of JWT Colombo in June 2006. Despite the hardships the country has faced, under Thayalan’s leadership JWT elevated its position and reputation as Sri Lanka’s most sought after and respected agency for its vast client portfolio.

“We are very excited to give Thayalan this opportunity in the Jakarta office,” said Maedel. “This move is a demonstration of JWT’s philosophy on presenting international opportunities to our top talent who can think and operate globally with the goal being to create and deliver more diverse ideas for our offices and our clients. Thayalan is most suitable for this role, and will marry his skills and experience with that of our colleagues in Jakarta to capitalise on the growth potential Indonesia holds as an N-11 nation.”

Himanshu’s appointment is effective 18 July 2011. He will work together with Thayalan to ensure a smooth transition.

JWT opened their first offices in Asia Pacific in 1929. JWT APAC, now headquartered in Singapore, has 3,000 employees spread across 18 countries.

Not only are we recognised as one of the largest and most experienced agencies in APAC, but also one of the most creative. In 2009, we captured the most prestigious award—“Network of the Year”—at both of the regional creative awards shows, Spikes and AdFest.

In addition to working with JWT’s prestigious multinational clients, JWT APAC works with some of Asia’s largest brands including Thai Airways, Singapore’s Economic Development Board and COFCO.

JWT is the world’s best-known marketing communications brand. Headquartered in New York, JWT is a true global network with more than 200 offices in over 90 countries employing nearly 10,000 marketing professionals. JWT consistently ranks among the top agency networks in the world and continues its dominant presence in the industry by staying on the leading edge — from producing the first-ever TV commercial in 1939 to developing award-winning branded content for brands such as Freixenet, Ford and HSBC.

JWT’s pioneering spirit enables the agency to forge deep relationships with clients including Bayer, Cadbury, Diageo, DTC, Ford, HSBC, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, Kimberly-Clark, Kraft, Microsoft, Nestlé, Nokia, Rolex, Royal Caribbean, Schick, Shell, Unilever, Vodafone and many others. JWT’s parent company is WPP.