JAT Holdings is proud and honoured that its Founder and Managing Director, Aelian Gunawardene has been listed in LMD’s A-List 2020, whilst his son, Director and Head of Strategic Planning, Richard Gunawardene has been listed in LMD’s A-List of leading millennials.
As one of the youngest brands to be included with just over 25 years in operation, JAT is proud to have two members of its leadership team be recognised amongst the top 100 business leaders in Sri Lanka, and amongst the top 25 leading millennials that continue to drive the nation’s growth. LMD’s A list showcases the best in Sri Lanka’s corporate and professional communities who demonstrated immense grit to overcome adversity amidst the challenges posed to businesses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to the current listing, Aelian Gunawardene was also conferred the Platinum award for the 22nd Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the year by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), in 2017. Furthermore, Aelian Gunawardene was one of 23 elite businesspersons amongst the Annual list of Businesspeople Of The Year (BOTY) in 2017. Moreover, he has been the inspiration and driving force behind the success and transformation of JAT Holdings into the leading conglomerate and employer brand of choice that JAT is today.
Richard Gunawardene is recognised as a marketing professional with multifaceted experience and for his contribution towards fostering an agile and innovation-driven culture. He is the Co-Founder of the Property Development sector of JAT Holdings, Co-Founder of Ceylon Hemp Effect, a founding member of EO Sri Lanka and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Curtin University.
Since its inception in 1993, JAT Holdings has grown to become a leading brand representing a large spectrum of categories in the furnishing and finishing industries. At present JAT has a strong product portfolio with a range of products with a wide array of renowned international brands such as, Sayerlack wood coatings from Italy, Herman Miller seating and desking solutions from the US, SEA kitchen and wardrobes from Germany, LifeWood, luxury handcrafted flooring from Australia, Harris paintbrushes from the UK and leading Sri Lankan Brush Master range of paintbrushes.
LMD’s collective think tank works based on nominating those who helm Sri Lanka’s best in class business houses for financial performance (with the LMD 100 being a key point of reference), corporate respect (LMD’s Most Respected rankings come into play here) and branding successes (from our Brands Annual, which is compiled in collaboration with Brand Finance). Other dimensions including entrepreneurship, the spirit of innovation, major accolades in the recent past and all else that make for inspiring leadership are also taken into consideration in compiling the A-List each year.