MullenLowe wins ‘Agency of the Year’ for the second consecutive year at Effie’s

Effie Awards Sri Lanka 2024, Agency of the Year – MullenLowe Sri Lanka

From left: MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka Executive Chairman Thayalan Bartlett, Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director Harendra Uyanage, Unilever Sri Lanka Marketing Director – Personal Care, Beauty and Wellbeing Shamara Silva Perera, MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka Associate Vice President and Client Services Director Praveena Perera, and Unilever Sri Lanka Marketing Director, Home Care and Nutrition Imeshika Kariyawasam 

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• MullenLowe’s 130-year global relationship with Unilever is a testament of true brand stewardship

MullenLowe Group (MLG), Sri Lanka’s largest Brand Communications Company retained its position as ‘Effie Agency of the Year’ for 2024 for the second consecutive year at the recently concluded Effie Awards ceremony. 

Held at the Monarch Imperial in Colombo on 13 February, MullenLowe dominated the awards, winning 13 accolades for their clients while also propelling its longstanding client, Unilever Sri Lanka to win both ‘Marketer of the Year’ and ‘Brand of the Year’ in a stunning display of creativity, driven by effectiveness and professionalism.

This year’s Effie’s drew 250 entries from 20 agencies across 24 categories. Mullenlowe had 13 shortlists securing major wins for Unilever Sri Lanka, Atlas Axillia and Haleon Lanka.

MullenLowe Group Executive Chairman Thayalan Bartlett said: “Of all the years we dominated the Effies, this one is perhaps the most significant for three key reasons. First, much of the winning work was developed during the period of the financial and economic crisis – this was particularly a challenging time for markets, brands, and our industry. Second, brands had to navigate a delicate balance between building equity and driving sales, requiring them to engage with and respond to volatile market sentiments in real time. Third, while industry success at such awards often fluctuates, winning ‘Agency of the Year’ seven times in the past decade and consecutively in the past two years reflects a steadfast commitment to creativity and the value we bring to brands. I am deeply grateful to our clients for their unwavering trust in allowing us to create exceptional work. I am also truly appreciative of the outstanding talent we continue to attract, invest in, and develop – they are second to none, and their work speaks for itself.”

Senior Vice President and Executive Creative Director Harendra Uyanage said: “2024 marked a year of recovery for both the economy and industry, with many brands prioritising sales due to challenging circumstances. However, the brands that truly thrived were those that embraced a deeper sense of purpose during these tough times, reminding us of our fundamental need for emotional connection. MullenLowe’s recognition as ‘Agency of the Year’, alongside Unilever Sri Lanka and Closeup being named Marketer and Brand of the Year, underscores that success came to those who championed purpose in the face of adversity. Finally, great work cannot come to life without a dedicated team, united by a shared passion and purpose, working tirelessly to ensure our brands succeed. I am deeply grateful to the exceptional people at MLG for the energy and creativity they pour into every brand they shape.”

MLG has secured this title seven times over the past decade, a testament to its consistent excellence. Established in 1968 by the New York American Marketing Association, the Effie Awards celebrate the most effective advertising initiatives worldwide. Recognised as the industry’s foremost accolade, the awards honour companies, individuals, and agencies that craft impactful marketing campaigns, driving brand success across diverse platforms and markets.