I’m a global business and marketing leader with over two decades of experience building brands, transforming markets, and leading teams across all continents. From investment banking to Unilever and now Flora Food Group, I’ve led business turnarounds, scaled global brands & portfolios, and delivered growth in some of the world’s most complex and diverse regions. Today, I lead global marketing operations, digital transformation, and AI integration for a company operating in over 90 countries.
What drives me is building businesses & brands that are fast, future-ready, and fundamentally human. I lead with strategy and empathy, creating high-performance, inclusive teams that deliver results and evolve cultures. My focus is not just on managing the present, but shaping what’s next through innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven leadership.
As a global business leader, I bring a unique blend of global commercial acumen, human insights, and digital foresight, along with values-based leadership, with a strong belief that long-term growth comes from putting people and purpose at the centre of strategy.
Flora Food Group (2019 – Present)
World’s No. 1 Plant-Based Food Company.
Global Marketing Operations Director & Head of Global Digital Marketing Operations -Feb 2025 – Present | Amsterdam, Netherlands
– Lead global marketing and organizational transformation including operating model redesign and governance.
– Own global digital, AI, and marketing technology strategy.
– Oversee innovation, product, and portfolio management.
– Member of the Global Marketing Leadership Team reporting to the Group CMO.
Chief Marketing Officer – Asia, NAMET, Africa & ANZ | Global Brand Head – Becel & Blue Band | Head of Digital Operations– Jan 2019 – Feb 2025 | Netherlands
– Led marketing strategy across Asia, NAMET, Africa, and ANZ.
– Global Brand Head for Becel and Blue Band.
– Member of Global Marketing Executive Team and AMEA Executive Team.
– Reported directly to Global CMO / Board.
Unilever (18 Years)
Chief Marketing Officer – Africa, Middle East & Turkey, Asia | Marketing Director – NAMET -South Africa- Apr 2018 – Dec 2018
– Led BCS marketing across 70+ countries.
– Member of AMEA Executive Team.
– Played key role in PE divestment and separation from Unilever.
Country Marketing Director – Personal Care (Francophone Africa) & Global Marketing Director (South Africa)-Oct 2017 – Mar 2018
Global Marketing Director – Oral Care -Africa (South Africa)-Sep 2013 – Sep 2017
Global Marketing Manager – Closeup (Singapore)-Apr 2011 – Aug 2013
Global Project Leader – Oral Care Freshness | Marketing Manager – SEA (India)-Jan 2009 – Mar 2011
Marketing Manager – Oral Care & Deodorants (Sri Lanka)-Oct 2006 – Dec 2008
Senior Brand Manager – Sunlight & Comfort (Sri Lanka)-Nov 2004 – Sep 2006
Brand Manager – Rin & Comfort (Sri Lanka)-Jan 2002 – Oct 2004
Assistant Manager / Manager – Modern Trade-Nov 2000 – Dec 2001
Management Trainee-May 2000 – Nov 2000
National Development Bank PLC-Executive (Sri Lanka) -Nov 1998 – Apr 2000
Kosala Hewamadduma 