New President for IAA

Marketing Director, Home Care and Foods, Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd, Surith Perera, took on the mantle of the President of the Sri Lanka Chapter of the International Advertising Association at the AGM held on October 17,at Trans Asia Hotel.

The International Advertising Association is a one-of-a-kind strategic partnership which champions the common interests of all the disciplines across the full spectrum of marketing communications - from advertisers to media companies to agencies to direct marketing firms, as well as individual practitioners.

The new President, Surith Perera, outlined his vision for next year with the focus areas being lobbying on industry issues, education and value creation for members. He thanked the Past President and the Board, and promised to carry on the successful initiatives such as the Mantra workshop series, the IAA Leadership Forum, the Industry Debates and the Cannes Winners Exhibition.

"IAA has an important role to play towards the betterment of the Advertising, Marketing and Media industry. Together with the new Board, I will endeavours to make a step change in the effectiveness of our activities in 2009, and will continue to add value to our members", said Perera.

CEO, Hemas Marketing Pvt Ltd, Imal Fonseka, completed his tenure as President for the year 2007/2008. The IAA Board includes immediate Past President, Imal Fonseka, Vice President, Renuka Marshall (Managing Director, TBWA\TAL), Vice President, Thayalan Bartlett (CEO - JWT), Secretary, Tarene Fernando (Senior Director Marketing, Colombo Communications Ltd.), Treasurer, Rohan Rajaratnam (CEO, Minds Draft FCB), and Directors: Rochelle De Silva (Director Brands - Personal Care, Hemas Marketing Pvt Ltd.), Sujeewa Samarasekera (Managing Director Shift Solutions Pvt Ltd.), Raynor Silva (Managing Director ABC Radio Networks), Norman Kannangara (Assistant Vice President Marketing - Beverages, Nestle Lanka Pvt Ltd), Chrishani Kotalawala (General Manager, Arc World wide Sri Lanka).