John Keells Holdings Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

John Keells Holdings has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a legacy of innovation, John Keells Holdings is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth across its diverse business sectors, impacting Sri Lanka's economy through strategic leadership and operational excellence.

Leadership Roles at John Keells Holdings

  • Chief Executive Officer - Charith Panditharatne
  • Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology - Changa Gunawardane
  • Chief Operating Officer - Senumi Silva
  • Chief Operating Officer & Group Senior VP, Information Technology Jkh Group - Nalaka Umagiliya
  • Chief Operating Officer, Property Sector - Shalitha Perera
  • President, The Property & Leisure Sector, John Keells Holdings - Nayana Mawilmada
  • President - Consumer Foods Group - Daminda Gamlath
  • President - Jit Gunaratne
  • President, Retail - Charitha Subasinghe
  • Executive Vice President & Head Chief People Officer, Sustainability, Erm & Group Initiatives - Isuru Gunasekera
  • Charith Panditharatne - Chief Executive Officer

    Charith Panditharatne, the Chief Executive Officer at John Keells Holdings, directs the conglomerate's overarching strategic vision and operational execution across its diverse business units. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion into new markets and optimizing existing operations within transportation, leisure, property, plantations, information technology, consumer foods, retail, and financial services. Panditharatne ensures alignment with the company's long-term objectives, driving profitability and sustainable development. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency, crucial for maintaining John Keells Holdings' market leadership in Sri Lanka and beyond. Charith Panditharatne's strategic direction is pivotal in navigating complex market dynamics and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, solidifying the company's position as a diversified business powerhouse.

    Changa Gunawardane - Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology

    Changa Gunawardane, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology at John Keells Holdings, manages the financial operations and strategic financial planning specifically for the group's information technology division. This specialized role involves overseeing budgeting, financial analysis, investment decisions, and risk management related to IT infrastructure, software development, and technology services. Gunawardane ensures that IT expenditures align with business objectives and contribute to the overall financial health of the company. The Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology's insights are critical for optimizing IT resource allocation and driving financial performance within the technology sector. Changa Gunawardane's financial acumen is essential for supporting John Keells Holdings' technological innovation and growth strategies.

    Senumi Silva - Chief Operating Officer

    Senumi Silva, the Chief Operating Officer at John Keells Holdings, oversees the day-to-day operational management and efficiency improvements across various business segments. This critical role focuses on streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and ensuring seamless integration of operations within the company's diverse portfolio, which spans transportation, leisure, property, plantations, information technology, consumer foods, retail, and financial services. Silva's leadership drives operational excellence, implementing best practices to achieve strategic goals and maintain high standards of service delivery. The Chief Operating Officer's focus on operational optimization is key to maximizing resource utilization and supporting the company's growth initiatives. Senumi Silva's commitment to operational effectiveness underpins John Keells Holdings' ability to deliver consistent value to stakeholders.

    Nalaka Umagiliya - Chief Operating Officer & Group Senior VP, Information Technology Jkh Group

    Nalaka Umagiliya, the Chief Operating Officer & Group Senior VP, Information Technology Jkh Group at John Keells Holdings, spearheads the strategic development and implementation of information technology initiatives across the entire group. This dual role encompasses both operational oversight of IT functions and the strategic direction for technology adoption, crucial for a diversified conglomerate with interests in transportation, leisure, property, plantations, consumer foods, retail, and financial services. Umagiliya ensures that technology infrastructure supports business objectives, drives digital transformation, and enhances operational efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer & Group Senior VP, Information Technology Jkh Group's leadership is vital for maintaining a robust and secure IT environment, enabling innovation and data-driven decision-making. Nalaka Umagiliya's expertise in IT strategy and operations is fundamental to John Keells Holdings' technological advancement and competitive edge.
    Nalaka Umagiliya

    Shalitha Perera - Chief Operating Officer, Property Sector

    Shalitha Perera, the Chief Operating Officer, Property Sector at John Keells Holdings, directs the operational strategy and execution for the company's significant property development and management activities. This leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of property operations, from project management and construction oversight to asset management and tenant relations, ensuring optimal performance and value creation within the property portfolio. Perera's focus is on driving efficiency, implementing innovative development practices, and maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability in all property ventures. The Chief Operating Officer, Property Sector's role is integral to maximizing the profitability and market presence of John Keells Holdings' real estate assets. Shalitha Perera's operational expertise is key to the continued success and expansion of the property sector.

    Nayana Mawilmada - President, The Property & Leisure Sector, John Keells Holdings

    Nayana Mawilmada, the President, The Property & Leisure Sector, John Keells Holdings, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for two of the company's key business divisions. This expansive role involves driving growth, enhancing profitability, and ensuring synergistic development across both the property and leisure segments. Mawilmada's responsibilities include identifying new opportunities, managing key stakeholder relationships, and optimizing the performance of hotels, resorts, and real estate ventures. The President, The Property & Leisure Sector, John Keells Holdings' leadership is crucial for maintaining market competitiveness and delivering exceptional guest and customer experiences. Nayana Mawilmada's strategic vision and operational management are vital for the sustained success and expansion of these significant sectors within the conglomerate.

    Daminda Gamlath - President - Consumer Foods Group

    Daminda Gamlath, the President - Consumer Foods Group at John Keells Holdings, directs the strategic growth and operational management of the company's extensive consumer foods business. This leadership role encompasses product development, market expansion, supply chain optimization, and brand management to ensure the group's offerings meet evolving consumer demands. Gamlath focuses on driving innovation in product lines, enhancing distribution networks, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety across all food products. The President - Consumer Foods Group's strategic initiatives are key to strengthening market share and driving revenue growth in the competitive consumer goods sector. Daminda Gamlath's leadership is instrumental in solidifying John Keells Holdings' position as a leading provider of consumer food products.

    Jit Gunaratne - President

    Jit Gunaratne, the President at John Keells Holdings, holds a significant leadership position overseeing key strategic areas of the conglomerate's diverse operations. This role involves driving business development, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring the strategic alignment of various business units with the company's overall objectives. Gunaratne's responsibilities include fostering innovation, managing complex projects, and strengthening the company's market presence across its primary industries such as transportation, leisure, property, plantations, information technology, consumer foods, retail, and financial services. The President's strategic guidance is essential for navigating market challenges and capitalizing on emerging trends. Jit Gunaratne's leadership contributes significantly to the sustained growth and success of John Keells Holdings.

    Charitha Subasinghe - President, Retail

    Charitha Subasinghe, the President, Retail at John Keells Holdings, spearheads the strategic direction and operational management of the company's retail business segment. This leadership role focuses on enhancing the customer experience, optimizing store operations, and driving sales growth across various retail formats. Subasinghe is responsible for developing and executing strategies that expand market reach, introduce innovative retail concepts, and ensure brand competitiveness. The President, Retail's oversight includes managing inventory, supply chain logistics, and marketing efforts to meet consumer needs effectively. Charitha Subasinghe's expertise in retail management and market development is crucial for the continued success and expansion of John Keells Holdings' retail operations.

    Isuru Gunasekera - Executive Vice President & Head Chief People Officer, Sustainability, Erm & Group Initiatives

    Isuru Gunasekera, the Executive Vice President & Head Chief People Officer, Sustainability, Erm & Group Initiatives at John Keells Holdings, leads critical functions related to human capital management, corporate sustainability, and enterprise risk management. This multifaceted role involves developing and implementing strategies that foster a positive organizational culture, drive employee engagement, and ensure ethical business practices. Gunasekera oversees sustainability initiatives, aligning business operations with environmental and social responsibility goals, and manages enterprise risk to safeguard the company's assets and reputation. The Executive Vice President & Head Chief People Officer, Sustainability, Erm & Group Initiatives's leadership is vital for building a resilient and responsible organization. Isuru Gunasekera's comprehensive approach to people, sustainability, and risk management supports John Keells Holdings' long-term vision and stakeholder value.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding John Keells Holdings Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads John Keells Holdings?
    John Keells Holdings is led by Charith Panditharatne (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Changa Gunawardane (Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology) and Senumi Silva (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of John Keells Holdings’s executive team?
    The executive team of John Keells Holdings includes leaders such as Charith Panditharatne (Chief Executive Officer), Changa Gunawardane (Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology), Senumi Silva (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does John Keells Holdings have?
    John Keells Holdings has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in John Keells Holdings’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of John Keells Holdings includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Information Technology, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Group Senior VP, Information Technology Jkh Group, Chief Operating Officer, Property Sector.