Starcom Worldwide begins operations here

Starcom MediaVest Group, rated as the world's largest media agency network began operations in Sri Lanka as Starcom Worldwide from yesterday. This company introduces a new concept in media specialisation through this, its 111th office in its worldwide network comprising 68 countries.

Commenting on the launch, Chief Executive Officer of Starcom South Asia Ravi Kiran, said that the international market was also clearly expressing its need for Sri Lanka to have global media network representation.

"There was a need for media specialists in Sri Lanka so that the local market and international entrants could flourish with the help of an experienced advocate to aggregate all media spending to more effectively negotiate for buying media while at the same time managing media contacts through creative and tested methodologies and processes.

This is a win-win situation for all parties involved, including the country as a whole as in the long term it will further reduce barriers for international companies entering Sri Lanka while strengthening the business infrastructure," he said. The company will also be supported by Leo Burnett Solutions Inc. (LBSI), represented in the Sri Lankan board of Starcom Worldwide by its Managing Director, Ranil de Silva.

Chief Executive Officer of Starcom Worldwide Sri Lanka Sushruta Samanta, stated that his immediate goal is the set-up of operations and the transfer of the media specialists of LBSI to the processes and methodologies proprietary to the Starcom network.

Chairperson of this venture, Shiromal Cooray, was also present at the launch.