Coca-Cola, the global beverage giant, has recently made a significant announcement with the appointment of Kaushali Kusumapala as the new Country Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives. Effective from April 1st, 2024, Kaushali steps into this role, marking a historic moment as the first Sri Lankan woman to hold such a prestigious position within the company. She takes over from Pankaj Sinha, who had been serving as the Country Director since 2019.
In her new capacity, Kaushali will be responsible for overseeing operations and fostering growth in both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. This entails close collaboration with various stakeholders including bottling teams, customers, partners, and consumers. Her extensive experience and leadership skills make her well-equipped to navigate the dynamic beverage market in the region.
Kaushali brings with her a wealth of experience accumulated over a career spanning more than a decade. Her journey to this leadership position includes notable stints with renowned organizations and brands such as Leo Burnett, Fonterra Dairy, and Domino’s Pizza. Notably, her tenure at Hemas International, where she served as Director of Marketing, saw her spearheading various initiatives including market entry strategies and international market development.
Expressing her enthusiasm about the new role, Kaushali remarked, “I am thrilled to embark on this journey with Coca-Cola and collaborate with our bottling partners, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka, and Male’ Aerated Water Company, along with other stakeholders. Coca-Cola holds a special place for me both as a consumer and a marketeer, and I am deeply committed to steering our beloved brands and franchise operations to greater heights.”
Kaushali’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Melbourne, showcasing her dedication to academic excellence. Her commitment to continuous learning and excellence has been acknowledged through various prestigious awards, including the Slim Brand Excellence and SLIM Kantar People’s Awards for Local Brand of the Year and CSR Brand of the Year.
As Coca-Cola continues to expand its footprint in the region, Kaushali’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to diversity, leadership, and innovation. Her vision and expertise are poised to drive forward Coca-Cola’s mission of refreshing consumers while contributing positively to the communities it serves in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With Kaushali at the helm, the future looks promising for Coca-Cola’s operations in these vibrant markets.
