BBDO opens stand-alone Sri Lanka office

BBDO has been operating in Sri Lanka for five years, in partnership with Thompsons Associates Lanka (TAL). However, with the cessation of internal conflict in May 2009, the country has experienced a surge in foreign investment and economic activity, with a 9.1 per cent increase in GDP over 2010, and further strong numbers expected this year.  BBDO is now looking to take advantage of that growth and cement its footprint across the South Asia region.

The office, in Colombo, will be headed by Santosh Menon (pictured), an accomplished advertising professional with extensive experience in the India, Indonesian, and Sri Lanka markets. He has previously served as general manager of Draftfcb Indonesia.

He will head an office of just over 20 staff, working in the first instance with clients Fonterra, Procter & Gamble, and Rize.

"Increasing our footprint in Sri Lanka is a natural extension of our plans to develop a broader presence in Asia," said Chris Thomas, chairman and CEO for BBDO Asia, Middle East and Africa. "We would like to thank TAL for their commitment over the past few years and wish them well as they no doubt continue to grow and prosper as well."

It is understood TAL continues to maintain affliate relationships with other Omnicom agencies TBWA and OMD.