In a milestone that underscores the burgeoning prowess of the Sri Lankan marketing and communications sector on the international stage, Praveena Perera has been officially inducted into the prestigious Campaign Asia-Pacific 40 Under 40 list for 2026. This induction is particularly noteworthy as she represents the first Sri Lankan woman to be bestowed with this regional honour, an accolade that distinguishes the most influential and transformative emerging leaders across the diverse landscapes of marketing, media, technology, and strategic communications.
The recognition of Praveena Perera, who serves as the Associate Vice President and Client Services Director at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to excellence and her instrumental role in navigating the complexities of the modern brand landscape. As the industry evolves with unprecedented velocity, such accolades highlight individuals whose leadership potential and professional achievements are actively shaping the future of global commerce and creative expression.
The Prestige of Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40
Now entering its fourteenth year of publication, Campaign Asia-Pacific’s 40 Under 40 remains one of the most rigorous and sought-after recognitions in the marketing fraternity. The selection process is famously meticulous, involving a comprehensive assessment conducted by a panel of senior industry veterans and the Campaign Asia-Pacific editorial team. The 2026 cohort, of which Praveena is a vital member, comprises forty professionals representing fourteen distinct markets across the Asia-Pacific region, each selected for their exceptional contributions to business growth, innovation, and leadership.
To be named amongst such a select group of professionals is a significant feat, particularly given the competitive nature of markets like Singapore, Australia, and Greater China. For a Sri Lankan professional to secure a position on this list is not merely a personal victory but a clear indication that the talent pool within the Sri Lankan community is operating at a world-class level, capable of driving regional discourse and setting new benchmarks for client service and strategic ingenuity.
A Career Defined by Excellence at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka
Praveena Perera’s ascent within MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of results and a sophisticated understanding of brand dynamics. Currently overseeing the extensive Unilever portfolio at the agency, she manages twenty-seven brands across four critical categories. This responsibility is significant, as Unilever represents some of the most visible and influential consumer brands in the country, requiring a nuanced approach to both traditional and digital consumer engagement.
Her leadership is not limited to client management; it extends into the very fabric of the agency’s operational success. Praveena is documented as one of the youngest Associate Vice Presidents in the history of MullenLowe Sri Lanka and holds the distinction of being among the first women to serve on the agency’s prestigious Operating Committee. Such positions are typically reserved for those who demonstrate a rare combination of commercial acumen, resilience, and the ability to inspire cross-functional teams toward a common objective.
The historical context of her achievement is further enriched by her previous recognitions. In 2023, she was honoured among the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Global Awards, a precursor to her current regional standing. These sequential accolades suggest a career path that is not only successful in the short term but is built upon a foundation of consistent excellence and a long-term vision for the industry’s progression.
Driving Award-Winning Results and Industry Impact
The impact of Praveena’s leadership was most visibly demonstrated during the 2025 award season, a period replete with success for both MullenLowe Sri Lanka and its clients. Under her strategic guidance, MullenLowe Sri Lanka was named Creative Agency of the Year at the Campaign Agency of the Year Awards 2025. Furthermore, the agency secured the coveted Agency of the Year and Marketer of the Year honours alongside Unilever Sri Lanka at the Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2025.
These awards are particularly significant because they measure not just creative flair, but the tangible effectiveness of marketing campaigns in driving business growth and consumer behaviour. Praveena’s ability to align creative output with rigorous commercial objectives has been described as a cornerstone of the agency’s recent dominance in the award circuit. Her approach signifies an antithesis to the outdated notion that marketing is purely an aesthetic pursuit; instead, she champions a data-driven, strategically grounded methodology that delivers measurable value to businesses listed in directories and global corporations alike.
Mentorship and the Advancement of Women in the Workforce
Beyond her commercial responsibilities, Praveena Perera has been a vocal advocate for the advancement of women within the marketing and communications industry. Her inclusion in the 40 Under 40 list is viewed by many as a beacon of encouragement for the next generation of female professionals in Sri Lanka. In her own reflections on the achievement, she emphasised that such recognition is rarely an individual accomplishment but is instead shaped by continuous learning, hard work, and the support of a robust professional network.
“I hope it encourages more women in Sri Lanka to pursue leadership opportunities and realise their potential,” Praveena stated upon receiving the news of her induction. Her commitment to mentoring future talent is a vital component of her professional identity, ensuring that the path she has forged as a pioneer remains accessible to those who follow. By serving on the Operating Committee, she provides a critical perspective that influences agency policy and culture, fostering an environment where diversity of thought is not only welcomed but is seen as a prerequisite for innovation.
Executive Perspectives on Regional Leadership
The significance of Praveena’s achievement was echoed by Thayalan Bartlett, the Executive Chairman of MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka. Bartlett, a veteran of the industry, observed that the recognition was thoroughly deserved, noting her exceptional ability to navigate some of the most demanding circumstances the industry has faced in recent years. He highlighted her unique capacity to balance immediate performance needs with the long-term development of people and processes, a quality that distinguishes the most promising leaders of her generation.
The executive leadership at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka has historically prioritised the cultivation of local talent, and Praveena’s success is a validation of this institutional commitment. As Sri Lanka continues to navigate its economic recovery, the role of skilled communicators and brand strategists becomes increasingly vital in attracting investment and driving domestic consumption. Professionals like Praveena are at the forefront of this effort, utilizing their regional platforms to showcase the sophistication and capability of the Sri Lankan workforce.
A Milestone for the Global Sri Lankan Community
The induction of Praveena Perera into the Campaign APAC 40 Under 40 list is a story that resonates far beyond the borders of Sri Lanka. For Sri Lankans abroad and the wider community, such news serves as a source of immense pride and inspiration. It reinforces the narrative that Sri Lankan expatriates and those residing within the motherland are making substantial contributions to the global economy and the intellectual landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
As the industry looks toward the future, the presence of Sri Lankan voices in regional leadership forums will be essential in ensuring that the unique cultural and economic insights of the island are integrated into broader strategic discussions. Praveena’s journey from a client service professional to a regionally recognised leader is a compelling narrative of what can be achieved through a combination of local insight and global ambition.
The recognition of such talent is a core mission of eLanka, as we continue to celebrate the positive stories and outstanding achievements of Sri Lankans worldwide. We extend our heartiest congratulations to Praveena Perera and the entire team at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka for this historic achievement.
Source: https://suratha.lk/
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