Kemin Perera

Experience

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  Goal International (Pvt) Ltd

  Aug 2005 - Jul 2006

  Overseas Student Consultant

  As an Overseas Student Consultant at Goal Internationals, I was responsible for promoting top universities and colleges in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Australia, Canada, and the USA to local students. Despite having no prior work experience, I was approached by the founders of the company after they noticed my sales and presentation skills at the EDEX exhibition in 2005.Through my persuasive communication and excellent customer service, I exceeded revenue targets and contributed to the opening of a second branch. Due to my outstanding performance, I received a transfer and promotion to Senior Overseas Consultant at the new branch.Working with Goal Internationals taught me valuable skills in sales, communication, and team management, and helped me establish a solid foundation for my career. I'm grateful for the experience and proud to have contributed to the success of the company. Show less

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  Aston Education Centre

  Jul 2006 - Feb 2007

  Sr. Overseas Student Consultant

  As a Senior Overseas Student Consultant at Aston Education Centre, I continued to promote top universities and colleges in the UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Australia, Canada, and the USA to local students. With my previous experience, I was able to effectively guide four junior consultants to achieve their targets, contributing to the overall success of the branch.During my time at Aston Education Centre, we participated in various education exhibitions such as Edex and Future Minds, which helped us to reach a wider audience and attract more students to our services.Unfortunately, I had to leave the country due to personal reasons. However, my time at Aston Education Centre allowed me to further develop my skills in sales, communication, and team management, which have continued to serve me well throughout my career. Show less

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  Asian Adventures Travel Management Company (pvt) Ltd

  Sept 2007 - Apr 2011

  In recognition of my hard work and dedication, I was promoted to the role of Tour Executive at Asian Adventures. As the youngest Tour Executive in the company, I was thrilled to take on this new challenge and continue growing my career in the tourism industry.In this role, I worked closely with the General Manager of the company, Mr. Sanjaya Dahanaggamaarachchi, to manage key accounts in the UK, Middle East, Indian, and Russian markets. I took on additional responsibilities such as developing new tour packages, coordinating with local service providers, and managing customer bookings and inquiries.Under Mr. Dahanaggamaarachchi's guidance, I was able to build strong relationships with our partner agents and customers, and develop a deep understanding of the complexities of the tourism industry. I also continued to develop my skills in customer service and sales, and was able to consistently exceed revenue targets.Overall, my promotion to Tour Executive was a significant milestone in my career, and I am proud of the work I accomplished during my time in this role. It provided me with valuable experience and skills that have helped me in all aspects of my professional life. Show less Joining Asian Adventures as a Junior Tour Assistant was a pivotal moment in my career. It was my first opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the tourism industry, and I quickly became immersed in the day-to-day operations of the company.My initial responsibilities were limited to opening files, checking room availabilities, and faxing reservation vouchers. However, I was eager to learn more and quickly began to explore other areas of the company. With my knowledge in IT, I took over the tariffs for local and Maldives tours and managed to keep them updated with zero downtime, which helped to streamline the booking process and improve customer satisfaction.Additionally, I was able to lend my IT skills to the senior staff and assist with various IT-related tasks. This allowed me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the company's operations and how technology could be used to improve efficiency.Overall, my time at Asian Adventures provided me with valuable experience in the tourism industry, and allowed me to develop my skills in both customer service and IT. These skills have continued to serve me well throughout my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a reputable company. Show less

  • Tour Executive

    Jun 2009 - Apr 2011

  • Junior Tour Executive

    Sept 2007 - Jun 2009
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  LUXE ASIA (PVT) LTD

  Apr 2011 - Apr 2012

  Sr. Tour Executive

  As a Senior Tour Executive at Luxe Asia (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of ExpoLanka Holding PLC, I gained valuable experience in the corporate world while overseeing the UK, France, and Spain markets.During my tenure, I successfully initiated and launched online portals for "whl.travel", "Urban Adventures", "Green Path Transfers", and "Hotel Link Solutions", driving significant revenue growth for the company. Additionally, I introduced SIC packages which led to a remarkable 200% increase in sales from the Indian market through our partnership with Make My Trip (MMT).I also demonstrated my logistical expertise by managing the operations for Ten Sports TV crew during all cricket matches hosted during my time with Luxe Asia.This experience further honed my skills in project management, business development, and client relations, preparing me for future leadership roles in the industry. Show less

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  Akquasun Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd.

  Apr 2012 - Nov 2012

  Sr. Tour Executive & Head of MICE Team

  As a result of the merge and split between Akquasun Group, Luxe Asia, and ExpoLanka PLC, I transitioned to Akquasun Lanka (Pvt) Ltd where I was appointed as the Head of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Team. In this capacity, I led a team of 4 members in managing over 1,000 clients per month.My specialized knowledge and expertise in the MICE sector allowed me to handle high-profile clients such as the 2012/T20 group from India, which was the largest tourist group to visit Sri Lanka at that time. As the Head of the MICE team, I played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of various events and conferences, while delivering exceptional customer service to clients. Show less

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  361 Degrees (Pvt) Ltd

  Nov 2012 - Sept 2013

  Manager (MICE)

  As the Manager (MICE), I played a crucial role in the creation and sales of products catering to MICE tourism in Sri Lanka. I successfully developed unique products that met the needs of clients, resulting in a sales increase of over 20% for the financial year.During my tenure, I launched MICE.lk, an online portal that provided comprehensive information and booking options for MICE tourism in Sri Lanka. In addition, I was responsible for overseeing the logistics of the FICAC international conference in 2013.This role provided me with valuable experience in managing a team and achieving sales targets in the event industry. Show less

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  Andrew The Travel Company (Pvt) Ltd

  Sept 2013 - May 2017

  Asst. Manager (MICE)

  During my tenure at Andrew The Travel Company (Pvt) Ltd, I served as the Assistant Manager (MICE) where I was entrusted with the Incentives & Events segments of the company. Drawing on my previous exposure in Event management, I excelled in creating and delivering unique experiences to clients.One of my biggest accomplishments was the management and handling of operations for Pékin Express - 2014 TV show with SLTPB, which was the largest funding ever done by SLTPB for a TV program. Additionally, I also handled and coordinated Sri Lanka's representation for IFTM 2022, which consisted of 08 tour operators. These projects allowed me to showcase my exceptional project management and coordination skills. Show less

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  Hertz - Sri Lanka

  May 2017 - now

  As Director of Andrew The Car Rental Company, I am responsible for overseeing the overall strategic direction and management of the company. I lead a team of professionals and ensure the successful implementation of business plans, operational processes, and growth strategies.Key accomplishments:● Spearheaded the expansion of our rental car fleet, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue.● Developed new partnerships with international brands and companies, resulting in increased market share and profitability.● Streamlined operational processes, resulting in improved customer service and reduced costs. Show less As General Manager at Andrew The Car Rental Company, I lead a team responsible for managing the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty franchises in Sri Lanka. In this role, I oversee all aspects of the business, including fleet management, pricing, operations, and customer service.My key accomplishments in this role include:- Successfully growing the business by increasing fleet size and expanding our partnerships with leading online travel agencies.- Developing and implementing new processes and procedures to streamline operations and improve efficiency.- Leading a team of dedicated professionals and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.- Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers and landlords.Overall, my experience as General Manager has given me a deep understanding of the car rental industry and a proven track record of delivering results. Show less As Head of Operations at Andrew The Car Rental Company, I was responsible for managing the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty franchises in Sri Lanka. This role presented a unique opportunity to create the company from the ground up, including recruiting and managing a dedicated team, understanding market requirements and selecting appropriate vehicles for our fleet, setting prices, and activating the Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty brands in Sri Lanka.Additionally, I formulated and implemented Standard Operating Procedures for the entire organization and negotiated contracts with suppliers and landlords. My efforts also included initiating partnerships and managing portfolios with world-leading online travel agencies such as RentalCars, CTrip, and CarTrawler.As a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., the Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide airport general use vehicle rental companies with over 10,200 corporate and franchisee locations across North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. During my tenure, I was proud to help activate these world-renowned brands in Sri Lanka and establish the Andrew The Car Rental Company as a leader in the local market. Show less

  • Director

    Mar 2023 - now

  • General Manager

    May 2019 - Mar 2023

  • Head of Operations

    May 2017 - May 2019
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  Platinum Manpower (Pvt) Ltd

  Apr 2021 - now

  Director

  As Director of Platinum Manpower, I am responsible for overseeing the company's recruitment, staffing, and HR solutions for our overseas principles. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. I work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions to help them achieve their business objectives.At Platinum Manpower, our goal is to provide the highest quality recruitment solutions to our clients, while also fostering a positive work environment for our employees. I am committed to ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service and that our employees are treated with respect and appreciation. Show less

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  Andrew The Travel Company (Pvt) Ltd

  Mar 2023 - now

  Director

  As Director of Andrew The Travel Company, I am responsible for driving the strategic direction and management of the company. I lead a team of professionals and ensure the successful implementation of business plans, operational processes, and growth strategies.Key accomplishments:● Successfully developed and launched new products and services, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue.● Built strong relationships with international travel companies and organizations, resulting in increased partnerships and collaborations.● Implemented new technologies and systems to improve efficiency and customer experience, including the initiation and implementation of the iTOS system for all Andrew The Travel Company tours. Show less