New CEO at J. Walter Thompson

JWT Colombo is one of the oldest and most admired agencies in Sri Lanka. With the changed economic landscape, the best experience and skills across various disciplines would be brought in, J. Walter Thompson, South Asia, CEO, Tarun Rai told a media briefing at the Hilton Colombo Residencies.

He introduced Alyna Haji Omar as the new J. Walter Thompson Group, CEO, Sri Lanka and outlined JWT's plans for Sri Lanka and the South Asia region.

Omar is young, energetic and passionate about her work. She is good at doing what J. Walter Thompson has been doing in South Asia and globally. For JWT, advertising is not just advertising, it's about providing a holistic suite of communication to clients' brands, he said. Omar is due to take over in June.

"Most of the Indian media use digital technology and the use of smart phones has increased in the media industry and even in Sri Lanka. Nearly five million Lankans use smart phones and nearly 50 percent have access to the internet. The media industry should also make use of modern technology. The world is moving fast towards modern technology," Rai said.

"You have a new President since January and we a new Prime Minister since May last year and there are huge expectations in both countries. Everyone is hoping that the political uncertainties in Sri Lanka will be cleared soon, paving the way for lasting change," he said.

- RJ