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By Chamitha Kuruppu

Though he is well-known for his achievements the uniqueness of 37-year old Kishu Gomes is not being Asia's youngest CEO or heading the multinational Caltex Lubricants - but his pleasing personality, radiant smile and his excellent dress sense. Having a 18-year-old career that he could be proud of Kishu says he 'never expected all these' and was only concentrating on what he was doing without setting targets in the sky.

This young CEO recently bagged the prestigious Young Director of the Year 2003 award. This was the maiden award by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, the prime forum for stewards of Sri Lanka's business.

Kishu created history by being elected to head two US multinational companies operating in Sri Lanka, Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited and Caltex Ceylon Limited as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in 2001 at the age of 37. He is the first and youngest Sri Lankan to do so as this position has been traditionally held by expatriates since the company's inception in 1994. Relaxed with a smile and clad in a brown shirt with a matching tie Kishu makes sure his 'always busy telephone lines' will not disturb the interview.

He recalls how much he desired to be an Airforce or a Navy officer when he was a schoolboy (His wish could have been easily a reality with his brilliant performances in sports especially with his achievements as an athlete).

However, after completing school education and having more exposure to the outside world his dreams changed. Airforce and Navy officers who were once heroes of Kishu were replaced by smart and well attired marketing executives. He began his career at Coke and worked his way through positions of increasing responsibility. Kishu joined Coca Cola at a time when the company was an underdog in the industry with around 35% market share to bloom into the industry leader with a 65% share. In 1997, he joined Caltex as National Sales Manager and soon climbed the ladder in a manner which has often been described as a kudos to a reputation earned through hard work, dedication and unobstructive leadership.

"I always, tried to learn from others but there was nothing called following someone else", he shot back when asked if he was modelling on any particular business leader. "If I followed others I will also become a CEO at the age of 40 but my different thinking made me a leader at 30 something," he said.

My being different from others must have contributed immensely to be what I am today, smiles Kishu adding that performance, commitment, dedication and correct thinking helped him to climb the ladder.

However, Kishu recalls how much he admired his uncle Lakshman Gomes the current principal of Royal College when he was a young lad. I was brought up by my uncle and was very much touched with his way of thinking and what he had achieved in his life.

Kishu's scholastic profile boasts of a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK. He is currently reading for his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Leicester.

At the recently held AGM Kishu was elected President of the American Chamber of Commerce by its membership to drive the Chamber to greater heights in Sri Lanka after serving on the board for three years as Director and Director/Secretary.

He is also the current Senior Vice Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK Sri Lanka Branch. He also serves on the advisory board of the international music centre under the Youth Foundation of Sri Lanka.

Asked what's his advice for amateur businessmen, as a young leader Kishu says the most important thing is to get into the correct field and correct institution as well as the ability to take calculated risks.

Having a healthy mind is equally important, Kishu gives hints from his recipe of success. When you are a leader it is vital to take right decisions and in order to achieve that one should try to live a natural life.

Religion plays an important role in one's life, he says seriously. Religion gives a balance and a clear mind. It is important to have a clear mind before taking decisions it also makes a person disciplined. Being religious will help one to minimise failures.

Kishu stressed that one should not dream about the future without putting the best effort for what is given at that moment. Do what you are doing and gain new knowledge, experience and skills, he added. "It is not one's knowledge that counts but the ability to use the knowledge".

Asked how he rates the country's young talent Kishu says in order to meet tomorrow's challenges the country should give more opportunities to the youth.

Some top organisations are reluctant to give a chance to young people when it comes to top posts. Youth can easily understand what comes in the future and are capable of taking today's challenges more effectively than the older generation. That talent and calibre is available in Sri Lanka and I am proud that there are many young people who have turned around businesses he said and added while respecting the knowledge and vast experience of old generation. Asked whether he is proud about his achievements Kishu smiles and says confidently; Yes I am quite pleased with all I have got. I feel good when others say they are proud about me - and that's it. I do not want to earn respect for what I am.

Does he enjoy being Kishu Gomes? Of course I live life to the fullest. I like when people talk about me and admire me in fact I want them to do so. Kishu said that he is a totally different person outside work. Music and fashion are given equal importance as work in my life, he said.

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