THAYALAN BARTLETT HONOURED IN CAMPAIGN ASIA-PACIFIC’S “50 OVER FIFTY 2026”

Thayalan Bartlett, CEO of MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka, has been named in Campaign Asia-Pacific’s “50 Over Fifty 2026” list. The only Sri Lankan honoured, Bartlett’s three decades of leadership reflect resilience, innovation, and people-first values, with achievements spanning global recognition, agency growth, and a philosophy of success rooted in heart.

Thayalan Bartlett, widely known as Barty, has been named in Campaign Asia-Pacific’s inaugural “50 Over Fifty 2026” list, a recognition that celebrates experienced leaders shaping the future of marketing, media, and communications across the region. As the only Sri Lankan to be included, Bartlett’s achievement underscores more than three decades of resilience, innovation, and people-centred leadership in an industry constantly reshaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and evolving consumer behaviour.

Bartlett’s career has been defined by a remarkable ability to navigate turbulence and transformation. His early years were spent at J. Walter Thompson (JWT) in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where he managed portfolios spanning FMCG, telecommunications, retail, hospitality, financial services, and social interest projects. Living and working through Sri Lanka’s 30-year civil war, Bartlett honed his skills in steering businesses through volatile market conditions. He credits agility, pragmatism, and simplicity as the hallmarks of his leadership style—qualities that enabled him to thrive in environments where uncertainty was the norm.

His philosophy of leadership has always been rooted in care and collective contribution. “Leadership is not about being in charge, it’s about caring for those you are in charge of,” Bartlett has often emphasised. This ethos has guided his approach to building teams, nurturing talent, and ensuring that success is shared across the organisation. His years at JWT and later at MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka gave him the opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, reinforcing his belief in the power of collective intellectual contribution.

Since taking the helm at MullenLowe Sri Lanka over four years ago, Bartlett has overseen a period of extraordinary growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the agency has dominated 80% of the top 10 advertised categories and 50% of the top 20, while doubling revenue in a short span. In 2019, despite turbulent conditions, the company grew by 30%, with new business being the biggest driver of success. The agency’s effectiveness has been recognised globally, with the EFFIES 2020 index ranking MullenLowe Sri Lanka 36th among the world’s top 100 effective agencies and 9th in Asia-Pacific’s top 10. Campaign Asia has also named the agency Creative Agency of the Year for two consecutive years, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse of creativity and effectiveness.

Bartlett’s leadership has not only transformed the agency’s business performance but also its culture. He has shifted the focus from a job-centric environment to a lifestyle experience, fostering a workplace where people and their families are prioritised. This approach reflects his personal journey and the sacrifices made in his rise from rookie to CEO of two multinational companies. He candidly acknowledges the regret of time lost with family, noting that if given the chance to rewind, he would have spent more time strategising adventures at home, decorating for Christmas, and nurturing relationships. Today, he ensures that his office culture places the highest priority on people’s families, believing that when individuals get their priorities right at home, their productivity at work becomes richer and more meaningful.

This recognition by Campaign Asia-Pacific is not just a personal milestone for Bartlett but also a celebration of leadership that continues to adapt and inspire in a rapidly evolving industry. At a time when marketing and communications are being reshaped by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and shifting consumer expectations, Bartlett’s inclusion in the “50 Over Fifty” list affirms his enduring influence and relevance. His journey exemplifies how resilience, innovation, and a people-first philosophy can create lasting impact, both within organisations and across the broader industry.

For Sri Lanka, Bartlett’s achievement is a source of pride, highlighting the country’s contribution to the global creative economy. For the industry, it is a reminder that leadership is not measured solely by business metrics but by the ability to care, adapt, and inspire. Congratulations, Thayalan Bartlett, on this well-deserved recognition.