Koshala Gunaratna

Experience

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  Unilever Sri Lanka

  Oct 2009 - Oct 2010

  Marketing Assitant

  Brand Building• Support in executing product launches and re launches for the band during the year• Continuous monitoring of stock levels on a daily basis to ensure product availability for both brand SKUs and promotional itemsCommunication • Managing and coordinating advertising productions (above the line activities) for the brand• Supporting the sales force through developing Morden Trade and General Trade merchandising materialPromotions• Coordination and Implementation of activations• Ordering promotion material on time to meet deadlines and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the promotionOperational work• Processing payments to all suppliers, agencies etc.• Organize meeting arrangements• Carrying out network meetings for projects Show less

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  John Keells Holdings - Walkers Tours

  Nov 2010 - Apr 2011

  Executive

  Markets• Coordinating with Clients and Leading Tour operators in UK & Israel• Developing and marketing customized travel packages for clients• Developing Contracts with Agents and Suppliers• Maintaining and developing good relationships with foreign agencies and local suppliersOperations• Coordinating and negotiating with suppliers in organizing the tour • Briefing and ground handling• Handling customer queries• Handling payments from agents and clients

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  Dilmah Tea

  Apr 2011 - May 2016

  Area Manager retail marketing for the European region• Managing European regional sales and marketing activities for the leading Ceylon tea brand ‘Dilmah’.• Business Plan development for each market within the region.• Adverting & promotional planning – retail/ trade (together with international partners).• Market Specific - New Product Development.• Key account development and market development in both retail and Food Service.• Analysis of market research data. • Strategic planning and implementation.• International customer coordination – linkage between the company and buyer.• Organization and participation in foreign trade fairs SIAL (Paris) /ANUGA(Germnay)• Internal marketing and coordination to support promotions and sales.Direct reporting to Board of directors. Show less • Managing European regional sales and marketing activities for the leading Ceylon tea brand ‘Dilmah’.• Business Plan development for each market within the region.• Adverting & promotional planning – retail/ trade (together with international partners).• Market Specific - New Product Development.• Key account development and market development in both retail and Food Service.• Analysis of market research data. • Strategic planning and implementation.• International customer coordination – linkage between the company and buyer.• Organization and participation in foreign trade fairs SIAL (Paris) /ANUGA(Germnay)• Internal marketing and coordination to support promotions and sales. Show less

  • Area Manager - International Marketig Retail

    Jul 2015 - May 2016

  • Marketing Executive

    Apr 2012 - Jun 2015

  • Management Trainee

    Apr 2011 - Mar 2012
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  Uga Escapes Management (Pvt) Ltd.

  Jun 2016 - Mar 2018

  Manager Marketing & Communications

  Overlooking all branding and promotional aspects for the brand “Uga Escapes”. Continuous efforts in brand building with a special focus on working with international PR agencies, local agencies, journalists and influences . Schedule campaigns both ATL and BTL for property promotions including the restaurant “rare at Residence”. Hotel collateral development to improve guest experiences and maintain the brand image in all properties as per brand guide lines. Focus on working with social media agencies and influences and build awareness both locally and internationally. Build strategic partnerships with banking partners/ trade partners for special promotional campaigns. Play an active role in strategy development and work closely with the board of directors. Show less

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  KGency - Freelance Marketing Specialist

  Jul 2019 - now

  Marketing Consultant / Digital Marketing Specialist

  Since becoming a mom in the midst of all responsibilities back home I decided to leave the corporate life to attend to my family's needs; yet I missed the challenging work environment. Today I am happy to be a freelance marketing specialist/consultant. Having over 8+ years of marketing experience in various industries; FMCG/EXPORT/TRAVEL & LESUIRE my mission is to help start up companies /entrepreneurs and small businesses all over the world with their requirements by sharing my knowledge and expertise in marketing. Show less

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  Gedara Made

  Jun 2020 - Jul 2022

  Founder

  An initiative recognizing local small businesses. Creating a platform to display their work and easily access their details.

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  Mulberry Canvas

  Jun 2023 - now

  Founder

  In a mission to empower female simstresses through creating bags that are practical for all. When you buy Mulberry Canvas bags you are empowering a community of talented women seamstresses in Sri Lanka who help create these bags in their own homes. Our focus is on creating hip and stylish fanny packs (AKA belt bags or bum bags); that are super convenient to have when you're doing your day to day errands like shopping, picking up kids OR carry your must have belongings while going to a concert, travelling or working out. Show less