Nishal Ferdinando, the esteemed Director and Chief Executive Officer of JAT Holdings Group PLC, was honoured with the coveted title of Resilient CEO of the Year 2022, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and invaluable contributions to the organization amidst the ensuing challenging times. This accolade serves as a testament to Mr. Ferdinando’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to driving the success of JAT Holdings. In the ensuing discourse, we shall delve into the factors that have earned Mr. Ferdinando this prestigious recognition, as well as his noteworthy contributions to the field of corporate leadership.
JAT Holdings Group PLC, a preeminent paint and wood coating manufacturer operating in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, serves as the largest global partner for the Sherwin Williams wood coating brand, Sayerlac. Since 2017, Ferdinando has spearheaded the company’s operations as its Director/ CEO. A graduate of the prestigious Harvard Business School, his educational background, spanning Accounts, Finance, Project Management, and Human Resource Management, is extensive and formidable. Having served for 13 years as an Executive Director/ CEO in diverse sectors, including construction, trading, export, and manufacturing, Ferdinando possesses an in-depth knowledge of business operations and strategies, and his prowess as a leader has further augmented his industry expertise.
Under Mr. Ferdinando’s stewardship, JAT Holdings has significantly expanded its operations across South Asia and certain regions in Africa. The company has garnered widespread acclaim for its performance, having been featured for five [05] consecutive years in the ‘Top 100 Most Respected Companies’, as adjudged by Nielsen IQ – distinguished on revenue and market capitalization. More recently, JAT Holdings was listed among the ‘Top 20 Conglomerate Brands in Sri Lanka’, as outlined in Brands Annual 2020. This latest accolade further underscores the organisation’s stellar reputation and ability to consistently uphold its position among the country’s top conglomerate brands.
Furthermore, JAT Holdings has garnered numerous local and international accolades, attesting to its exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to excellence. Notably, the company secured the Bronze award for Overall Business Excellence at the esteemed National Business Excellence Awards in 2019. Additionally, JAT Holdings clinched the Gold award for Global Brand of the Year for Harris Rollers and Brushes at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2022. The organization also received the Silver award for Best Use of Technology in Marketing at the SLIM Digis Awards 2022 and the Silver award for Market Disruptor at the SLIM Effie Awards in 2022, further cementing its position as a distinguished market leader in the industry.
Mr. Ferdinando’s notable career accomplishment is spearheading the successful transition of JAT Holdings from a private entity to a publicly-traded company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, including a well-executed Initial Public Offering (IPO) amid a tumultuous environment. It was Mr. Ferdinando’s meticulous planning, astute decision-making, and exemplary leadership skills that empowered the brand to navigate the intricate regulatory requirements, prepare meticulous financial statements, and communicate effectively with potential investors. Nishal Ferdinando acknowledged that “leading this transition during a period of market turbulence was particularly daunting, requiring the effective management of uncertainties and market volatility while safeguarding the company’s growth and expansion objectives”. This accomplishment is a testament to Ferdinando’s adept leadership and strategic acumen in steering the company through challenging times, and positioning it for sustained success.
When asked why he believes he was named ‘Resilient CEO of the Year 2022’, Nishal attributed his win to JAT Holdings’ resilience during turbulent times including the Easter attacks, COVID-19 pandemic, and economic downturns. “Despite these challenges, the company demonstrated YoY growth in both top-line and bottom-line, while preserving employee salaries and jobs,” stated Mr. Ferdinando. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Mr. Ferdinando’s strategic acumen, effective communication, and prioritization of employee welfare, along with his exemplary leadership that steered the company through times of crises.
Nishal Ferdinando is known for his dedication to employee development, and has made significant contributions toward industry workforce development and betterment. Through his leadership, he has nurtured a highly resilient workforce that is adept at handling challenges and excelling in their roles. This employee-centric approach has not only enabled JAT Holdings’ growth, but has also positively impacted the wider industry’s growth. Leading by example, Nishal emphasizes the importance of effective leadership in motivating the workforce, “demonstrating true character during challenging situations, prioritizing the well-being of JAT Holdings’ employees, and moreover staying focused on team career growth, job satisfaction, and equitable decision-making to maintain a highly motivated workforce will continue to be my focus”.
When asked what receiving the ‘Resilient CEO of the Year 2022’ award means to Mr. Ferdinando, he stated: “the recognition further affirmed the importance of diligent efforts and commitment, and I view this as an opportunity to inspire and raise awareness about the significance of resilience in achieving success. As Sri Lankans are known for their inherent resilience, this award serves as a symbol of the country’s potential to surmount obstacles and attain remarkable accomplishments”.
Nishal Ferdinando’s exceptional leadership skills, tenacity, and unwavering dedication to cultivating his employees have undeniably been instrumental in his achievements. Securing the Resilient CEO of the Year accolade is a testament to his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and serves as a powerful inspiration to his peers in the industry.