Alyna Haji Omar takes charge as CEO, J. Walter Thompson Group, Sri Lanka

Alyna Haji Omar has takes charge as the CEO, J. Walter Thompson Group, Sri Lanka. In her new role, Alyna will lead the J. Walter Thompson group that comprises J. Walter Thompson Sri Lanka and Contract Advertising.

Alyna joins in from Response Marketing, an integrated marketing agency, part of the Grant Group of companies, where she was the CEO since 2012. Under her leadership, Response Marketing has grown into one of the most successful marketing agencies in Sri Lanka.

“J. Walter Thompson stewards some of the most significant global brands in Sri Lanka and a wonderful dynamic is at play right now in that most of these brands are looking for deeper local context. This transition brings new learnings and with it a new opportunity. I believe that J. Walter Thompson Colombo has a unique advantage in its people. There is enviable talent, knowledge and passion at every level. So the chance to collaborate with clients and talent of this calibre was irresistible,” said Alyna on her appointment as CEO, J. Walter Thompson, Colombo.

She comes in with 18 years of experience, most of which has been with the Grant Group. Over these years, Alyna has developed brand strategies that have influenced change, inspired conversation and created culture and this has reflected in Response Marketing winning recognition globally as well as in the APAC region. She has also recently been appointed as the new President of the IAA Sri Lanka Chapter.

Alyna is a true believer in the potential of mobile internet in the Sri Lankan market and feels it will change the way brands do business. It is therefore key for agencies to keep their brand relevant in the changing landscape.

Alyna has handled a diverse portfolio of brands during the course of her career including brands such as Dialog, Munchee, Heritance, SriLankan Airlines, Coca-Cola, Baby Cheramy, Johnson & Johnson, Cinnamon, Tigo, Etisalat, Walls, Nestea, Keells and UNICEF to name a few.