Suranga Kekuluwalage, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Würth Lanka, discusses his career trajectory and how grit, adaptability, and staying true to his core values enabled his rise from sales to the CEO position. He reflects on mentorship, crisis-tested resilience, and the importance of humility and initiative in shaping leadership and driving growth.
You began your career in sales and have now risen to lead the company. What were the key turning points in your journey that prepared you for this role?
There are several. First and foremost, my extensive industry experience provided me with a deep understanding of the market and customer needs. Starting in sales taught me the importance of communication, persistence, and building trust, skills that continue to serve me well in leadership. I was fortunate to work under some excellent managers who not only guided me but also challenged me to grow and develop. Their mentorship played a crucial role in shaping my leadership style.
My predecessor and I attribute our growth to our mentor, Professor Würth, who is legendary for his visionary leadership of the Würth Group over the last 77 years. Belief in the brand and the company’s values has always been a driving force for me. I’ve consistently sought to learn new things, stay adaptable, and go the extra mile, whether for a customer, a colleague, or the business as a whole. This mindset has enabled me to evolve with the company and make meaningful contributions at every stage of my career.
Additionally, part of my development also came from working in the South and Southeast Asian region as a Business Development Manager, covering six diverse markets. This role exposed me to different market conditions, customer behaviours, competitive landscapes, and management styles. It was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective and significantly enhanced my strategic and operational skills. Additionally, my experience working with Würth’s regional office provided me with valuable insights into regional business strategies and best practices, enabling me to refine my leadership capabilities.
After working under your predecessor for over 18 years, what values or leadership insights have most influenced your approach as CEO?
Having worked under my predecessor for over 18 years, I gained valuable insights into leadership and the importance of consistency in vision. One of the key lessons I’ve carried forward is the commitment to our company’s core vision statement, which remains the foundation of everything we do, “to be the no 1 in the eyes of our customer”.
Like my predecessor, we owe it to Professor Würth for inculcating such deep values, and I believe in upholding and honouring that vision while introducing new value additions to keep the company evolving and relevant. Maintaining our strong company culture has also been a priority, ensuring that while we create, we never lose sight of who we are. Over the years, our focus has always been on serving our customers with excellence and inspiring them through our work. At the same time, we’ve worked to build an unbeatable team at Würth Lanka, one that’s driven, collaborative, and aligned with our shared goals.
Sri Lanka’s business landscape today is filled with both volatility and opportunity. How are you navigating this environment, and what’s your outlook for building resilience and growth?
Würth Lanka has been operating in the Sri Lankan market for nearly 25 years. Throughout this time, we have faced numerous challenges, mainly due to political instability and economic volatility. Despite these less than ideal conditions, we consistently achieved our sales and profit targets, always recording double-digit growth.
Now, with the market becoming more stable and open, we see a renewed opportunity, one without excuses. The resilience we’ve built over the years, combined with the experience gained through adversity, has made us stronger. Our team’s unwavering spirit, hard work, and creativity have always driven us to deliver the best results. As we look ahead, we are focused on leveraging this resilience to pursue sustainable growth.
Over the past year and a half, the company has experienced strong growth. What were some of the bold moves or cultural shifts that helped unlock this performance?
One of the most impactful changes was the successful implementation of our change management process. The emergence of a younger leadership team brought fresh energy, new perspectives, and a more agile approach to decision-making. We focused on our employees, investing in them and providing training to maximise their output. We also capitalised on emerging market opportunities by diversifying into new market segments and investing in product development to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
In parallel, we strengthened our marketing and branding strategies, which played a vital role in increasing our visibility and deepening customer engagement. Together, these initiatives helped us create a strong value chain that reinforces customer trust in our brand. This holistic approach has not only fuelled our recent performance but also positioned us for sustained growth moving forward. We were able to demonstrate that Würth offers a comprehensive solution and is a reliable supplier in both good and challenging times.
The range, availability, service, quality, and strategic pricing, combined with the above marketing and brand strategy, are fuelling our growth as we speak.
What advice would you give young professionals who are starting at the bottom and hoping to make a mark, as you did?
My advice to young professionals starting their careers is to remain consistent, be curious, and continue learning. Every opportunity, big or small, is a chance to grow and develop. Focus on continuously adding value to your team and making meaningful contributions to its goals and plans.
Honesty, commitment, and a strong work ethic go a long way. Stay humble, remain open to feedback, and align yourself with the organisation’s broader vision. Over time, these qualities not only help you stand out but also build the foundation for long-term success.