GRI announces appointment of Dr. Tharindu Atapattu as Chief Executive Officer

Thursday, 27 February 2025 08:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dr. Tharindu Atapattu

GRI yesterday announced the appointment of Dr. Tharindu Atapattu as the next Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a dynamic new chapter for the company.

With an illustrious career spanning over 20 years of exceptional leadership experience, Dr. Atapattu has demonstrated expertise in financial strategy, business turnarounds, and value-driven growth across multinational corporations, Fortune 500 brands, and leading local enterprises.

Dr. Atapattu’s strong financial acumen, coupled with his ability to implement robust operational frameworks, positions him uniquely to lead GRI into its next phase of growth. He holds a PhD in Marketing, an MBA in Finance, and a First-Class Honours Degree in Engineering, complemented by certifications such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Global Business Analyst (CGBA).

He is also a Certified Leadership Coach, Certified Director, and NLP Business Practitioner. His expertise in financial planning, cost optimisation, data-driven decision-making, customer service strategies, and team building has consistently delivered significant business outcomes.

As a finance-focused leader, Dr. Atapattu has demonstrated exceptional skills in driving profitability, aligning organisational resources with long-term strategic objectives, and fostering innovation. His extensive experience includes overseeing complex multinational operations, leading mergers and acquisitions, and implementing innovative operational models to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

At GRI, he will focus on strengthening financial resilience, achieving manufacturing excellence, optimising the global supply chain, cultivating talent and capabilities, and leveraging digital transformation to unlock new opportunities. His leadership will emphasise data-driven insights to maximise returns, streamline processes, and sharpen GRI’s competitive edge in global markets.

In addition to his extensive leadership experience, Dr. Atapattu is a recognised thought leader and advocate for continuous learning. He is a passionate lecturer, author of journal articles, and developer of innovative management models that have been instrumental in driving organisational success. His flair for academia and ability to distil complex ideas into actionable strategies make him a valuable resource for fostering a culture of learning and innovation at GRI. His dedication to sharing knowledge and nurturing talent will play a pivotal role in enhancing GRI’s organisational capabilities and inspiring teams.

Dr. Atapattu’s previous roles include serving as Director/CEO of Swisstek Aluminum Ltd. and Lanka Swisstek Ltd. – India, where he led transformational initiatives delivering record-breaking financial performance and operational excellence. His innovative approaches earned these organisations recognition for corporate excellence, sustainable growth, and industry-first achievements, establishing Swisstek as an undisputed market leader in Sri Lanka.

In 2024, Dr. Atapattu was honoured with the prestigious Top 50 Global CEO Leadership Excellence Award in Colombo.

GRI said it is confident that his visionary leadership, financial expertise, and operational engagement will propel GRI to new heights.