Otara Gunewardene

Otara Del Gunewardene
Otara Del Gunewardene
Born	Otara Del Gunewardene; 30 August 1964 (age 60); Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nationality	Sri Lankan
Occupation(s)	Founder Odel PLC and Founder/CEO Embark
Height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Children	Kiran Rakhil
Parent(s)	Norman Gunewardene; Delysia Gunewardene
Website	Official website

Otara Gunewardene is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur, philanthropist and fashion icon. Founder of Sri Lanka’s premier fashion and lifestyle store Odel, a brand that took Sri Lanka by storm offering designer and high street fashion for men, women and children; home ware, jewelry & accessories; luggage; perfumes & cosmetics; books & music; confectionery and food. From being a sole proprietor of one store in 1990, she pioneered a fashion retailing phenomenon and has piloted Odel through two decades of explosive growth and expansion and today over 20 Odel stores are located throughout the island. Otara has the distinction of being the first female entrepreneur to take a company public in Sri Lanka when Odel launched an IPO in July 2010. Following the entry of Parkson Retail Asia in 2012, Otara retained a 29.7 percent stake of Odel PLC. Her entrepreneurship was globally recognized in 2010 when she was named the best female entrepreneur at the seventh US Stevie Awards for Women in Business.She also heads the list of Sri Lanka’s Most Powerful Women compiled by Echelon magazine in 2013 and is featured in the Sri Lanka Rich List, a few of the many achievements of this incredible powerhouse, who has undoubtedly redefined the fashion retail and lifestyle arena in Sri Lanka. On September 11, 2014 Otara disposed of her shares in Odel PLC to the Softlogic Group. Her decision to sell out of the company was based on a personal desire to pursue her childhood passion; to ensure the welfare of animals and the development of the Embark brand which funds such programs.

Early life and family

Otara Gunawardene was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka to farther Norman, Gunewardene and mother Delysia Gunewardene. Her father was one of the best known corporate leaders in the country, a past Chairman of corporate giant – Aitken Spence. Joining as an Executive he worked his way to reach the top of the corporate ladder. Delysia Gunewardene her mother - nurtured the Chitra Lane School for differently-abled children, giving them a new lease of life which started with two students and now second home to over 200; and Ruchi and Ajit – her brothers have etched their own prominent identity in the corporate world. Otara had a remarkable love for animals from a young age and her home was shelter to countless number of squirrels, rabbits and dogs and more. During her teens Otara volunteered at the Dehiwela zoo to learn about as many species of animals as she possibly could. A student of Colombo’s leading girls’ school Ladies College, Otara was involved in extracurricular activities ranging from ballet to athletics. She also excelled in high jump, hurdles and swimming representing the island internationally. With a boundless love for animals as a child, after graduation Otara read for a biology degree at the University of Bowlingreen, Ohio with ambitions to work with animals.

While on holiday back home, she dabbled in modelling only to be drawn into it in a professional way – shooting for high profile brands and international apparel catalogues right after completing her graduation. It was during this time that fate had other plans; marking the juncture that was set to redefine Sri Lanka’s fashion retail and lifestyle industry in the very near future. It was the year 1989 that a chance request by an apparel manufacturer to help him dispose an assortment of export surplus garments led her to set up shop in the boot of her trusted car.

ODEL

Within a year of selling export garments from the boot of her car - the fledgling business blossomed into what was soon to become Sri Lanka’s leading fashion brand – ODEL. Launched in 1990, within 300 square feet in a building on Dickman’s Road in Colombo, the refreshingly chic retail space showcased Otara’s personal aesthetic, with international flair. From merchandising and design to marketing, ODEL set new and high standards for the country’s emerging lifestyle sector. Otara’s adroit business skills coupled with a keen eye for detail, skyrocketed ODEL’S fortunes. More significantly - through ODEL - Otara helped to create job opportunities in her internally conflicted home country at the time, as well as rise and stand strong against an impending global recession. A decade later, Otara’s leadership and natural flair for fashion saw ODEL occupy a stunning 35,000 sq ft. colonial mansion of on Alexandra Place in Colombo. Launching stylish new collections, fashion accessories and revamping the brand’s identity to appeal to the young and globally-travelled Sri Lankan, Otara kept the brand firmly at the forefront of the country’s lifestyle revolution. It took just over another action-packed decade to see ODEL rise from a two-staffed single store to a 20-store lifestyle revolution employing staff of over a 1000. In July 2012, ODEL announced a significant change of ownership, with Parkson Retail Asia Limited – one of Southeast Asia’s most prolific department store operators - purchasing a 41.82 per cent stake in the company for Rs 1.424 billion. Following the acquisition, Otara retained a 27.88 per cent stake in her company and continued to be the company’s CEO. Otara has commended this as a “new chapter in the evolution of the company”, strengthening her role in an infusion of foreign direct investment to Sri Lanka, while raising capital for the company’s growth.

Odel’s expansion throughout the years:

1989

Odel is born and so is the very first store at Dickmans Road. This 1,165 sq. ft. store was initially converted into a factory outlet, which allowed shoppers to purchase those ‘must-have’ items at unbelievably discounted prices.

1994

The first branching-out of the Odel chain of stores – the outlet at Majestic City opens.

1995

A total of 9 Odel Stores were located in city hotels and shopping centres.

1996

Odel’s stylish and sophisticated flagship store, the lifestyle store of approximately 10,000 sq. ft. opens its doors at Alexandra Place, Colombo. A new concept for Sri Lanka changing the face of retail for the years ahead.

2000

This year marks a momentous milestone in the history of ODEL due to the significant expansion of the ODEL flagship store at Alexandra Place, which is now a landmark location and a must visit for all. The flagship store is a house of colonial architecture with contemporary interiors and a floor span of approximately 40, 000 sq. ft.

2004

Odel Mind, Body & Soul. A new brand identity is unveiled. ‘Delight’ is ODEL’s very own sweet boutique, offering confectionery, collectors’ recipe and coffee table books, ornaments and T-shirts apart from the famous Delight chocolates, sweets, cupcakes, nuts, dried fruits, tea and spices was launched.

2005

Open 24x7, Odel makes an appearance at the departure/transit lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake. Backstage - Accessory shopping in a theatre-style dressing room ambience–another novel brand launched by Odel.

2007

Embark is a CSR initiative to improve the wellbeing of street dogs were launched. Embark branded merchandise a unique concept became an instant success at Odel. The same year Odel opened stores in Kohuwela and Ja-Ela.

2009

Embracing opportunities and entering into a new phase of expansion – Odel set up an outlet store in Nugegoda. This was followed by a dramatic opening event for its 7,900 sq. ft. store in the coastal suburb of Mount Lavinia and a 5,481 sq. ft. store in Moratuwa.

2010

The 11th outlet in the Odel chain opened in Panadura, followed by the 12th in Maharagama and 13th in Battaramulla. Battaramulla is the first store since Odel’s successful IPO. It encompasses all the departments that go into making up the quintessential Odel experience.

2011

Comprising 12,000 sq ft, Odel opened a characteristically stylish store in Wattala. Among the diverse array of merchandise, the new outlet offers casual and formal wear for men, women and children, as well as its own ‘Embark,’ ‘Backstage,’ ‘Luv SL’ and ‘Delight’ departments. Soon after, ODEL opened a store in the heart of the metropolitan city Kiribathgoda, in a building of over 9,000 sq ft. ODEL Kandy located within the premier mall ‘Kandy City Center’ is the first location outside the Western Province. ODEL launched Luv SL - a concept store carrying stylish souvenirs and products catering to locals and tourists. The Luv SL brand offers a range of T-shirts for ladies, gents and children; ties and cufflinks; mugs, handloom bags, slippers, ayurvedic products, pens, pencils, notebooks and other items of stationery; picture frames, toys, baby products, essential oils, lacquer ware, masks and an extensive collection of uniquely Sri Lankan souvenirs. In addition, all LUV SL stores offer ODEL brands such as BACKSTAGE, Embark and Delight. Luv SL stores at Queens Hotel, Kandy and Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Colombo was launched.

2013

Odel opened its doors in Ja-Ela within the super mall K-Zone.

2014

Luv SL opened its concept stores in highly sought after tourist destinations in Negombo and Galle Fort which is a World Heritage site.

Fashion designer

Making her mark in the world of fashion design, Otara Gunewardene launched her eponymous jeans label in 2013 at the Colombo Fashion Week, a cutting edge collection pushing all boundaries of style unzipping an unparalleled collection which paid homage to classic styles, it also featured varied and edgy designs, showcasing the season's staples. Her unfurling as a cutting edge designer having unveiled a focused collection of wearability and chicness that rang real and true – and very her; reaffirming assurance and certainty that everything looks good from every angle cemented her entry into the world of fashion designing.

Humanitarian work

Otara’s passion for conserving the environment and her love for animals coupled with her deep sense of responsibility towards the community has expressed itself in ground breaking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects over the years that are a testimonial to her commitment to a multitude of causes close to her heart. Otara’s love for her three pooches Niko, Bandit and Rozzy are legendary, which led to the launch of Embark in 2007. Having completed 8 successful years of work with street dogs and their surrounding communities, with the vision of providing a better life for the street dogs of Sri Lanka and giving them the love, respect and home they deserve. Embark’s activities include the following programmes, rabies, vaccinations, sterilization surgeries, puppy adoptions and caring for injured street dogs. The above is sustained by a comprehensive education campaign. Embark works closely with fosters and service providers, thereby building capacity and increasing their impact. In addition, community activities are carried out in partnership with local government and regional departments. A range of clothing, jewellery and accessories featuring endearing logos of the beloved pooches has further deepened public involvement in Embark. Otara through Odel has spearheaded many causes over the years, identifying key issues and tackling them with an admirable hands-on approach by colleagues and other like-minded people who believed in the brand's dedication to the various causes. Otara whilst at Odel has also been deeply involved in providing relief to the victims of the 2004 Tsunami, constructing 18 quality houses to benefit families affected by the tsunami. Otara has always inspired loyalty and goodwill, which has ensured that people have come out in droves to partner it in many of her initiatives. The tree planting, clearing of poisonous plant species at Bundala National park and the beach clean-up drives have witnessed a gathering of both young and old as they stood shoulder to shoulder with Otara and Odel in achieving significant gains. Animals always inspire fondness, be it baby elephants or the sleek leopards – and Otara through Odel has championed their causes through baby elephant adoption projects in ‘Save the Elephant 2012’ and save the leopard petitions/book promotions. The Odel range of T-shirts featuring messages/pictures of a range of endangered animals has created strong awareness about animal conservation championing the ‘World Animal Day Campaign’. Recognized for her impressive work she was bestowed the honour of World Animal Day Ambassador – Sri Lanka in 2008 and was selected and honoured as one of the ‘Prominent Women of the Country’ by the Women’s Parliamentarians’ Caucus, for her achievements in business and for her service to the country followed by the announcement of being named as Ambassador Earth Hour Sri Lanka.

OTARA SELLS ODEL TO FOCUS ON EMBARK AND ANIMAL WELFARE

On the 11th of September 2014 Otara disposed of all her shares in Odel PLC to the Softlogic Group to allow her more time to further pursue her childhood passion; to ensure the welfare of animals and the development of the Embark brand which funds such programs. In her media statement Otara stated - ‘I believe everybody has a purpose in life. One that goes beyond material gain and one that goes beyond a life that we may have been leading and loved leading. Twenty-ﬁve years on from when I started Odel and as I turn a grateful 50, I ﬁnd it harder to silence what I know is my own true calling in life, which is to help animals. I have tried to do as much as I can for them over the years, as well as to help people understand the importance of living in a world in harmony with animals and people, but it is time to do more. I have always known that I am here to help animals. I spent my childhood years surrounded by animals, dreaming of ways that I could help them and knowing the importance animals and the environment plays in our world and our lives. I am fortunate that I have the ability to relive my childhood again, but with more knowledge and a greater will than ever before of making a change. My love for fashion has always been linked with my passion for animals and to helping our world both people and animals co-exist for our future’. In addition, Otara will continue to focus on developing and expanding the Embark clothing line and merchandise which supports and advocates care for the street dogs. The brand which has successfully turned passion into fashion consists of fashionable clothing and accessories for men, women and children, and substantially augments the Embark offering which unites fashion with the cause of animal welfare. February 2, 2015 marked the official opening of ‘GreenAngel Studios’ by Otara where she continues her work with Embark and supports a multitude of causes that include wildlife conservation and environmental preservation, heightening awareness and encouraging action on critical issues that are prevalent today.

Recognition

Otara Gunewardene has achieved wide recognition in her home country and internationally. Award winner, Ambassador and more she undoubtedly has placed Sri Lanka on the map internationally with her efforts covering an amazing spectrum of areas.

2000

Jaycees’ Most Outstanding Young Person in Sri Lanka

2001

Federation of Chambers and Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) Entrepreneur of the Year 2001 Award

2002

Zonta Woman of Achievement Award

2007

Alankara Jewelry, Face of Alankara Brand Ambassador

2008

Inducted into the Dallas-Hamilton Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame, class of 2009 as an outstanding innovator at the Bowling Green State University, Ohio USA.

South Asian Association for Regional Corporation’s (SAARC) Woman of Achievement

Retail Leadership Award, Asia Retail Congress, India

Woman of Saabstance, Saab Cars, Singapore

World Animal Day, Sri Lankan Ambassador

2009

Otara was bestowed with the honour of being made the country’s new Goodwill Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity.

Colombo Jewellery Stores, Dior Brand Ambassador

2010

Orchid named after Otara by the Horticultural and Flora Conservation Society of Sri Lanka. Known by the biological name of Dendrobrium Otara, this new one-of-a-kind orchid is a unique tribute to Otara’s achievements.

In 2010, November, She outshone leading female entrepreneurs from around the world to bring honour to her motherland by winning the best female entrepreneur award at the seventh US Stevie Awards for Women in Business held in New York.

2013

Named Echelon Magazine's 'Most Powerful Woman in Sri Lanka'

Listed in 'The Sri Lanka Rich List 2013'

Her personal website, www.otara.lk won the ‘Best Personal Website’ award for the first time in 2010 conducted by the Lanka Domain Registry Office

The only Lankan designer featured in Swarovski's 'Gem Visions India' Swarovski, the benchmark global brand in the crystal industry, which is equally reputed in the area of fine and crafted gemstones invited ODEL CEO and Founder Otara Gunewardene to design a piece of jewellery of her choice and participate in its special edition of the ‘Swarovski Gem Visions 2012’ trend book.

2014

Selected and honoured as one of the ‘Prominent Women of the Country’ by the Women’s Parliamentarians’ Caucus, for her achievements in business and for her service to the country.

March 2014 – Announced as Ambassador Earth Hour Sri Lanka

External links