Monday, June 29, 2026

MullenLowe’s Praveena Perera becomes first Sri Lankan woman named to Campaign APAC’s 40 Under 40

In a landmark achievement for Sri Lanka's marketing and communications industry, Praveena Perera, Associate Vice President and Client Services Director at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, has made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to be named to Campaign Asia-Pacific's highly coveted 40 Under 40 list. This recognition places her among the most influential emerging professionals across the Asia-Pacific region, spanning the fields of marketing, media, technology, and communications. Her inclusion in this prestigious list is not only a personal milestone but also a powerful statement about the rising talent emerging from Sri Lanka on the global stage.

What Is Campaign Asia-Pacific's 40 Under 40?

Campaign Asia-Pacific's 40 Under 40 is one of the most respected annual recognitions in the marketing and communications industry across the Asia-Pacific region. The list celebrates young professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact within their respective fields. Being selected is considered a mark of distinction, as candidates are evaluated based on their professional achievements, industry contributions, and potential to shape the future of the sector. The list draws attention from leading brands, agencies, and media houses across Asia, making it a highly competitive and meaningful honour for any professional in the region.

A Trailblazer in Sri Lanka's Marketing Industry

Praveena Perera's journey to this historic recognition is a testament to years of dedication, strategic thinking, and a relentless commitment to excellence. As the Associate Vice President and Client Services Director at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, she has played a pivotal role in shaping client relationships and driving impactful campaigns for some of the country's most prominent brands. Her leadership style, combined with her deep understanding of consumer behaviour and market dynamics, has earned her the respect of peers and clients alike within the industry.

Her achievement carries particular significance as she becomes the first Sri Lankan woman to earn this distinction. In an industry that continues to evolve rapidly, Perera's recognition highlights the importance of diversity and representation in leadership roles across Asia-Pacific's marketing landscape. Her success sends a strong and encouraging message to young women in Sri Lanka and across the region who aspire to build careers in marketing, advertising, and communications.

MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka's Growing Regional Influence

MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka has long been regarded as one of the leading creative and communications agencies in the country. The agency is part of the globally recognised MullenLowe Group network, which operates across multiple markets worldwide. Perera's recognition on the Campaign Asia-Pacific 40 Under 40 list further reinforces the agency's reputation for nurturing top-tier talent and delivering world-class work that resonates not just locally but across the broader Asia-Pacific market.

The achievement also reflects the agency's commitment to empowering its people and fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and excellence. For MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, having one of its own recognised among Asia-Pacific's most influential emerging leaders is a source of immense pride and a validation of the high standards the agency consistently upholds. It signals that Sri Lankan agencies are more than capable of producing professionals who can compete and excel on the regional and global stage.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond the professional accolade, Praveena Perera's historic recognition carries a deeper cultural and social significance. Sri Lanka's advertising and marketing industry, like many industries across the region, has been on a journey towards greater gender equality and representation in leadership. Perera's milestone achievement serves as a powerful reminder that talent, hard work, and perseverance can break barriers and open doors that were previously uncharted.

For young Sri Lankan women entering the workforce or navigating their careers in the creative and communications sector, Perera's story offers both inspiration and a roadmap. It demonstrates that local professionals can achieve recognition on the most competitive regional platforms, provided they are given the right opportunities, support, and environment to thrive.

A Proud Moment for Sri Lanka

Praveena Perera's inclusion in Campaign Asia-Pacific's 40 Under 40 list is a proud moment not just for MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, but for the entire Sri Lankan marketing and communications community. It shines a spotlight on the depth of talent that exists within the country and reinforces the idea that Sri Lanka is producing professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to the wider Asia-Pacific industry.

As the region's marketing landscape continues to grow and evolve, recognitions like this serve as important milestones that inspire entire industries to aim higher. Praveena Perera has set a new benchmark, and her historic achievement will undoubtedly motivate the next generation of Sri Lankan marketing professionals to dream bigger, work harder, and strive for excellence on every level.