About Kishu Gomes
About Kishu
Who is kishu gomes?
Dr. Kishu Gomes is a transformative business leader who has shaped Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape for over two decades, from turning Coca-Cola into a market leader to becoming the youngest Asian CEO of an American multinational at Chevron, where he set unprecedented performance records.
Beyond boardrooms, he has dedicated himself to national service—leading Sri Lanka Tourism’s recovery after the 2019 Easter attacks and shaping the country’s sustainable development strategy as Chairman of the Presidential Expert Committee.
As Group CEO of Dreamron Group and Chairman of Exterminators PLC (listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange), he continues to drive innovation and global expansion while sharing his insights through his record-breaking weekly Sunday Observer column and addresses at international forums. With two doctorates, an MBA, and a record number of business leadership awards, including Most Respected Business Leader by LMD Magazine, Kishu’s leadership philosophy centers on hard work, respect for people, and clear communication—principles that have guided his journey from corporate turnarounds to nation-building initiatives.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER JOURNEY
CURRENT POSITIONS
Guides the company’s strategic direction, driving sustainable growth and corporate excellence in pest control and environmental management.
Leads one of Sri Lanka’s premier beauty and cosmetics brands, expanding its global footprint through innovation and strong brand strategy.
Corporate Board Director
Provides expert guidance and governance to multiple organizations, ensuring strategic alignment and long-term value creation.
Honorary member of the American chamber of commerce
Recognized for exceptional contributions to Sri Lanka–U.S. business relations and private sector leadership.
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Marketing - UK
Honored for professional excellence and outstanding service in marketing leadership and brand development.
PAST POSITIONS HELD
Led the national tourism recovery efforts following the 2019 Easter attacks, revitalizing the industry and restoring global confidence in Sri Lanka’s travel sector.
Sri-Lanka Tourism Advisory Committee Member
Advises on national tourism strategies and sustainable development to enhance Sri Lanka’s global tourism appeal.
Served over 18 years as the youngest Sri Lankan and longest-serving multinational CEO, leading Chevron to industry leadership and record profitability.
Contributed to regional strategy and market growth initiatives for Chevron’s South Asian operations.
Chairman – Bangladesh Caltex Lubricants Ltd
Oversaw business development and operational excellence across Bangladesh’s lubricant market.
Leadership Team Member Asia Pacific Chevron Lubricants
Youngest and only Asian member in a 22-country leadership network, shaping business and marketing strategies across the region.
Extended Leadership Team Member Chevron Global Lubricants
Represented Asia within Chevron’s global management network spanning 180 countries.
11 years at Coca-Cola holding a variety of Sales & Marketing Positions
Held multiple senior Sales and Marketing roles, including international assignments in Singapore and Vietnam, strengthening Coca-Cola’s regional market presence.
POSITIONS HELD IN EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
CURRENT POSITIONS
Board Director – CINESTAR & OSCA foundations
Provides strategic direction to organizations that uplift Sri Lanka’s cinema and music sectors through innovation, recognition, and industry development.
Offers guidance and mentorship to elevate Sri Lanka’s culinary professionals to international standards of excellence and creativity.
Director – Lester James Peries & Sumithra Peries Foundation
Contributes to preserving and promoting Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage by supporting programs that celebrate the legacy of the country’s legendary filmmakers.
PAST POSITIONS HELD
Expert Committee Member – Presidential Expert Committee
Contributed to shaping Sri Lanka’s long-term sustainability strategy and chaired the national implementation committee to drive key initiatives.
President - American Chamber of Commerce
Served as the youngest president in the chamber’s history, leading it to achieve its best-ever financial performance and stronger international partnerships.
President – Private Sector Business Coalition on HIV & AIDS
Promoted workplace inclusivity and corporate responsibility, spearheading nationwide awareness and prevention campaigns.
Led national HIV prevention, testing, treatment access, and stigma-reduction efforts.
Played a key leadership role in advancing professional marketing education and industry standards across Sri Lanka.
Board Member – Outstanding Song Creators Association
Promotes and protects the rights and recognition of Sri Lanka’s talented songwriters and composers.
Advertising & Promotional Committee member – CIMA-SL
Supported CIMA’s mission by enhancing brand visibility and promoting professional excellence in management accounting.
Advisory Board Member – CINEC/SLITT Business Faculty/Colombo Business School/North Show International Campus
Provided strategic guidance to elevate academic quality, leadership training, and industry collaboration in higher education.
Advisory Board Member – International Music Foundation
Encourages creativity and professional development in Sri Lanka’s music industry through strategic leadership and mentorship.
Senior Vice Patron – Sri-Lanka Automotive Engineers
Supports innovation, education, and industry growth within the nation’s automotive engineering community.
Chief Advisor to the Sri-Lanka Professional Chef’s Association
Guides and mentors Sri Lanka’s culinary professionals to achieve global recognition and excellence.
AWARDS & HONORS
KEY NATIONAL AWARDS WON
Inaugural Best Young Director award by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors in 2002
Most Outstanding Young Person in Sri-Lanka (TOYP) award for ‘Business accomplishments and Entrepreneurial Leadership’ by the Junior Chamber in 2003
Best Business Leader of the Year 2004 award by CIMA Sri Lanka
Two Entrepreneur of the year Awards in 2007 at the Provincial and National level
Inaugural Top 3 Marketers Award by CIM’s Sri Lanka Regional Branch in 2001
Most Outstanding Sri-Lankan Award 2017 by the International Association of Lions Clubs for Advancement of Entrepreneurship & Business Management in May 2017
Leadership Excellence Award for Business Leadership - 2020 by The Human Rights Organization of Sri-Lanka in Feb 2021
Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Leadership in 2025 by the Business World International Awards – USA
Lifetime Award by the Asian Achievers Awards International in 2025 for the Outstanding Business Leadership
PROFESSIONAL PANELS CHAIRED /SERVED ON
Chairman Effies Advertising Awards
Chairman SLIM Brand Excellence Awards
Chairman of the Jury - Platinum Awards by Sirasa for 2 years – 2016 & 2017
Chairman & Member of numerous National & international Beauty pageant judging panels including Miss Sri-Lanka for Miss World by Derana
Publicity & PR Committee Member Sri-Lanka Cricket
Chairman – 2018 Sri-Lanka Tourism Awards Panel by the Tourist Board of Sri-Lanka
AS A GUEST SPEAKER
GLOBAL FORUMS ADDRESSED
Oil Exploration Technology Conference in Houston , Texas, USA in 2007
Represented Sri Lanka to promote the nation’s oil exploration potential, strengthening international awareness and investor interest.
Global Marketing Forum 2006 in Thailand
Shared expert insights on marketing and brand leadership, showcasing Sri Lanka’s innovation in global business strategy.
Commonwealth Youth Forum (CHOGM) - 2013
Inspired global youth leaders with empowering messages on entrepreneurship, leadership, and positive change.
World Conference on Youth 2014
Addressed an international audience on leadership and development, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to youth empowerment.
KEY LOCAL FORUMS ADDRESSED
Leadership Workshop for the Senior Leadership staff of the Sri-Lanka Parliament
Conducted exclusive leadership training sessions for senior parliamentary staff, empowering government leaders with modern management insights.
Annual Convocation Guest speeches for Public Universities
Delivered inspiring keynote speeches at convocation ceremonies for top universities, including the University of Colombo, Jayawardenepura, Kelaniya, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Ruhuna, and many others.
Annual Convocation Guest Speeches for Private Universities
Delivered inspiring keynote speeches at convocation ceremonies for top universities, including the CINEC Campus, SLIIT Campus, University of Northampton, University of Southern Queensland, SLITHM, and many others.
FACETS OF PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL LIFE
Writer/Columnist
Author of the long-running “Biz Talk with Kishu Gomes” column in the Sunday Observer for over 14 years, sharing insights on leadership, marketing, and success.
TV Presenter
Host of “VIP with Kishu” on ITN — a leadership talk show featuring top personalities.
TV Talent show judge
TV talent show judge on “Youth with Talent” for three years.
Commercial Model & Fashionista
Featured in corporate and lifestyle campaigns, known for a polished public image and strong personal brand presence.
Sports Administrator & Promoter
Actively promoted Sri Lankan sports including rugby, indoor cricket, boxing, and motor racing for over a decade, supporting young athletes and national growth.
Former National Athlete
A 110-meter hurdles national champion, reflecting his lifelong dedication to discipline, performance, and excellence.
Resource Person for print, digital and electronic media
Regularly consulted by media across platforms for expert commentary on business, marketing, and leadership.
Mentor & Motivational Speaker at Schools, Universities, National & International Forums
Regularly mentors students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, inspiring them through leadership programs, university talks, and international forums.
Management Consultant on Business Strategy
Advises organizations on business strategy, brand building, and restructuring to achieve sustainable growth and market success.
Brand & Marketing and Business re-structure
Delivers strategic consulting on brand building, marketing strategy, and organisational restructuring to drive sustainable growth.
Actor, Music lover and Social activist
A passionate advocate for creativity and social impact, actively supporting art, music, and community development initiatives.