Global financial services expert joins Brandix

Brandix Lanka Limited has announced the recent appointment of Priyan Fernando, Executive Vice President of Global Business Services at American Express – a global leader in Financial and Travel Services, as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Fernando, based at the American Express World Headquarters in New York City, heads the organisation that provides key business operations functions including finance, procurement, real estate services, human resources and business transformation for American Express worldwide.

He was instrumental in establishing financial shared servicing at American Express, which provided global financial services to the entire company from just three locations around the world.

“The appointment of Fernando, an eminent Sri Lankan with an illustrious career and extensive experience in the financial services sector at the global level, will further strengthen the Brandix Board,” Brandix Chairman Ken Balendra said.

“We are extremely delighted and proud that he has accepted our invitation to join our Board. The senior management team at Brandix is sure to benefit from Fernando’s vast experience and expertise.”

Fernando, who holds an MBA from Indiana University in the United States, has also served as President of the Global Customer Group and Chief Operating Officer of American Express Business Travel.

In this capacity, he led the globalisation and transformation of service delivery at American Express Business Travel to create a common customer experience, reflective of its brand around the world. Prior to this, he was the Chief Financial Officer of the Global Corporate Card and Travel Businesses.

Fernando is a member of the New York Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). He has served on the Advisory Council of the Conference Board, the International Committee of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of the UK and the Board of Rearden Commerce.  He is currently serving on the Advisory Council of the New York City Leadership Centre. Mr. Fernando, a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Management Accountant, is a Fellow member of these Institutes.

The Board of Directors of Brandix Lanka now comprise of Desamanya Ken Balendra (Chairman) and Ashroff Omar (CEO), Aslam Omar, Feroz Omar, Ajit Johnpillai, Udena Wickremesooriya, Trevine Jayasekara (Finance Director) and  Priyan Fernando.