Dr. Ruchitha Perera, FCIM, Chartered Marketer (UK), has been elected to the Board of Directors of The Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK, for a three-year term, beginning December 2022. The appointment was announced at its Annual General Meeting held recently, at Moor Hall, United Kingdom.

The Board of Directors consists of 10 members, of which eight represent the UK, and Europe, and two represent the rest of the world. Ruchitha was elected as per the electoral results from a ballot of all voting members of CIM worldwide. The Board of Directors are required to uphold CIM’s constitution and are responsible for the overall governance of CIM and its affairs. The Board is also answerable to CIM members for the activities and functions undertaken to uplift the standards of marketing, as a profession globally.

An alumnus of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Ruchitha is an enthusiastic marketer, with a career spanning 30 years, delivering marketing education, business coaching and training. He has also provided leadership to global organisations, representing brands such as Acer, IBM, and HP.

As an inspirational business coach, specialising in marketing, sustainability, and digital transformation, he has displayed a thorough understanding of marketing trends, driving organisational value through global coaching assignments.

In addition to facilitating CIM modules, Ruchitha has also aided both masters and doctoral programmes, internationally. He has guided many professionals, and organisations, enabling them to be future ready. Furthermore, he takes pride in motivating the next generation of entrepreneurs to embrace innovative marketing through local and international mentoring programmes.

Ruchitha plans to enhance stakeholder value, create fusion and cordial relationships within and beyond the marketing fraternity by positioning CIM as the global mark of professional marketing.

CIM is the world’s leading professional body for marketing and has been operating in Sri Lanka for more than 25 years, specialising in supporting people to achieve internationally recognised professional marketing qualifications.

In December 2018, CIM opened a new office in Colombo, with business development as its primary focus. Business volume has increased by 50% with a sharp 67% increase in professional members and a 40% increase in students by November 2021 and April 2022, respectively.

Unfortunately, the economic challenges in Sri Lanka have temporarily hampered aspirations of further growth but a doubling of regional social media followers is a clear indication that the organisations positioning has improved. During COVID restrictions, CIM Sri Lanka held regular webinars to ensure members were still able to connect with CIM’s community of marketers and had access to the insight necessary to progress their careers.

CIM Sri Lanka and the Maldives is headed by Ms. Onalie Dissanayake, supported by staff and a team of experienced volunteers.