Savinda Jayanetti

Chief Executive Officer with 16+ years of experience across tea manufacturing, international trade, value-added tea brands and business transformation. Proven track record of scaling tea businesses, expanding into international markets, building profitable brands and leading strategic growth initiatives across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

CEO & Director - Esna Ceylon Teas (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2023-01)

Responsible for corporate leadership, strategic planning, financial performance, export growth and organizational development.

• Expanded export operations across seven international markets.
• Led strategic initiatives across export development, product innovation and brand building.
• Directed annual budgeting, forecasting, pricing and profitability planning.
• Managed outsourced production operations and manufacturing partnerships.
• Led a lean organizational structure of approximately 215 employees.

Director - Esna Allied Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2023-01)

• Participate in governance, investment evaluation, financial planning and corporate decision-making.
• Indenting agency evaluation and business development.
• Spearheading the petro chemical arm of Esna Allied Enterprises.

Director - Lakmark Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2020-01 - 2023-12)

• Directed company operations and commercial activities of Ayurvedic Teas.
• Led business development and strategic partnerships with Indian, Malaysian and Sri Lankan markets.
• Managed financial performance and operational growth.

Senior Tea Taster / Trader - Stassen Exports (Pvt) Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2017-01 - 2020-12)

• Purchased and graded Ex-Estate and High and medium Grown teas.
• Managed export customers across Turkey, Germany, Holand, Iraq, and the Philippines.
• Developed value-added tea products and supported international market expansion.

Assistant Manager - Watawala Tea Ceylon Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2013-01 - 2017-12)

• Managed tea buying, grading, tasting, and blend development.
• Overseeing operational and production facility operations.
• Developed the Zesta Connoisseur Collection consisting of 54 tea variants.
• Conducted tea training programs for Shangri-La, Hilton, and Taj Hotels.

Executive - Lanka Commodity Brokers Ltd - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2011-01 - 2013-12)

Tea Taster Training - Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers - Colombo, Sri Lanka

(2010-01 - 2011-12)

G.C.E. Advanced Level

G.C.E. Ordinary Level