|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 14 March 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Rohantha Atukorala of JohnsonDiversey : 'Talent to help others led to my success'
He was born to a family of three children, one elder sister and the other a younger brother." My parents are my best friends and we are a closely knit family and this has inspired happiness in our lives, " he said. Education He had his entire education at St Peter's College, Bambalapitiya. Though he was not a bright student, he was passionate about what he did. In his final year at college he was the head prefect. Athukorala was awarded the "Peterite Gold" by virtue of being an all rounder. This taught me that 'If you are committed and believe in what you do, one could achieve anything'. CIM But, he was unsuccessful at the GCE (Advanced Level) Examination (Science) and it was like the end of the world to him as he had nothing else to do. But, nevertheless he is indebted to Sumithra Gunesekera, now a Board Director at John Keells Holdings Ltd., for helping him to get the vital breakthrough in life to find a suitable vocation -"Marketing". "I got myself enrolled in Chartered Institute of Marketing classes. I made up my mind and studied hard and topped the batch at all levels." I am indeed grateful to two people who helped me along the way - Mr. Eardley Perera, the -Liason Officer for Sri Lanka of the Chartered Institute of Marketing(UK) and Mr. Ravi Fernando( CEO -Brand Marketing at MAS) whom I concider as one of the best markerters Sri Lanka has produced. He obtained a Post graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Post-Graduate Institute of Management (PIM), University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Thereafter, he gained admission for the MBA programme at the same university. The research Athukorala did for the MBA, was selected for the Management Journal and it was considered a real honour. Career He started his career at Unilever as a Management Trainee before he became Assistant Brand Manager. While studying for his post-graduate diploma at the Sri Jayawardenapura University, he joined Reckitts as its Brand Manager and there was no turning back as he started to climb the ladder of success. He was promoted as the Senior Brand Manager, then Demand Manager and Business planner. He was also the company representative for the South Asian Category teams of Shoe Polish & Air Freshners. Then he did a stint on the field as Field Sales Manager when he was promoted as the Category Manager for Dettol and, when he left Reckitt's, he was heading the Health & Personal Care business, Fabric & Surface Care with brands such as Dettol, Disprin, Colman's, Lysol & Robin under his leadership. He was then head hunted by the Global industrial detergent giant, JohnsonDiversey, as their Country Manager for Sri Lanka & Maldives. When asked about the change, Athukorala, said, "During my last 2 years I have managed 'inside the home germ protection' with the brand Dettol that earned me a Double Award at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Achiever Awards (the highest achievement a marketer can get in Sri Lanka) and now I like to test my skill in germ protection 'out of home' - hotels, beverage plants, restaurants etc. JohnsonDiversey is globally owned by Unilever & SC Johnson that also gives British/American management experience. His advice to a youngster " Get exposure not only in brand marketing but also in field management and finance so that one could take decisions as Business Manager and not only as a marketer of the company. During this time, he was offered a scholarship to USA by Rotary GSE under the category of outstanding business professional. He has been the Sri Lankan delegate at the "Chartered Institute of Marketing World Marketing Forum in UK. Sports He excelled in Athletics while at college and captained the Reckitt's shuttle team to win 5 Mercantile titles and 6 Inter-Pharmaceutical company titles. He also had a Black Belt in karate and he says that one day he wants to be a trainer. Social life He has a passion for sharing his knowledge and does teaching during weekends for CIM & CIMA students. He has produced 8 World prizes and 48 Sri Lankan prize winners for the country. He also serves on the executive committee of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka branch. When time permits, he does training programmes for mercantile companies, the latest being DHL Sri Lanka, he said. Advice "Never compare yourself with anybody else. Always help somebody to be even better than what you are. Fact File |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
My real success is the use of my talent to help others to be better
than me, said JohnsonDiversey Country Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives
Rohantha Athukorala. Family
