Nimal Gunewardena, Senior Catalyst at Purposeful Leadership (Pvt) Ltd., is a pioneering figure in Sri Lanka’s marketing and communications landscape, bringing over five decades of rich experience and thought leadership to the team. His presence significantly strengthens our strategic capability in serving our clients, especially in areas of brand reputation, advocacy, and leadership communications.

Nimal’s practical grounding stems from an illustrious career that began in marketing at Reckitt & Colman, where he rose to the position of Marketing Director. He then transitioned to advertising, serving as CEO of JWT Colombo before founding Strategic Alliance in 1993—an integrated communications consultancy that became a leading force in the industry. Under his leadership, the agency partnered with global networks such as WPP’s Bates Worldwide and Burson-Marsteller, delivering impactful advertising and public relations solutions across sectors.

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In recent years, Nimal has evolved his focus to purpose-driven communications through NGage Goodvocacy, a consultancy he founded in 2025. NGage champions responsible branding and supports social and environmental movements, offering expertise in reputation strategy, brand consultancy, leadership communications, and media training. His work continues to inspire a new generation of communicators and change-makers.

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Nimal is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and holds memberships in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK), American Marketing Association, Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, and Sri Lanka Institute of Directors. He has served as Past President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, Founder President of the revived Four A’s, and Founder Director and Advisor to the Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka.

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His leadership journey includes directorships at Reckitt & Colman, Thompson Lanka (JWT), Hire1 Technologies, LBCH, AmCham, and a long-standing chairmanship at Strategic Alliance. He also served on the Governing Board of the Office for National Unity & Reconciliation, chaired by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

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Beyond his professional achievements, Nimal is a passionate lecturer, trainer, and edutainer in advertising, marketing, and PR. He is also a composer and jazz & blues pianist, bringing creativity and rhythm into every aspect of his life and work.

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