40 Under 40 2024: Thanzyl Thajudeen, Mark and Comm

Thanzyl Thajudeen is a seasoned public relations and communications expert who has led his PR agency, Mark and Comm, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for over a decade. 

Starting out with press releases, briefings, and events, he has evolved into a strategic consultant, overseeing a portfolio spanning tech, agriculture, FMCG, and more. A member of both the PRCA APAC Board and the CIPR International Committee, Thajudeen collaborates with top PR professionals across the region while continuing to develop his own expertise as an accredited PR practitioner and Chartered Marketer.

In 2023, his agency saw tremendous growth, expanding beyond traditional PR to offer branding, advertising, and comprehensive communications services. This shift, led by Thajudeen, positioned the agency as a trusted consultant for clients’ broader marketing needs. Among its high-profile wins were a renowned Maldives resort chain and US Soy. Thajudeen also introduced a new work policy that significantly boosted staff productivity by 1.7x, maintaining efficiency even as the number of clients doubled.

Thajudeen’s hands-on approach to business has been key to Mark and Comm’s success, as he remains actively involved in meetings and events. His commitment to relationship-building extends beyond clients to mentoring his team, preparing the next generation of PR professionals, while upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Thajudeen is also a strong advocate for the media industry, particularly print media, which faces significant challenges in Sri Lanka. 

Internally, Thajudeen spearheaded the PRedefined initiative, a bi-monthly townhall that fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team. These hour-long sessions, conducted both in-person and virtually, feature Thajudeen’s insights from his interactions with clients, media, and industry peers, followed by team members sharing their own experiences. The initiative aligns with the agency’s DEI policy, which is customised to fit Sri Lanka’s PR landscape. In 2024, Mark and Comm has also partnered with ZeroPlastic to raise awareness of plastic pollution and Women in Tech Sri Lanka to strengthen women’s participation in STEM. 

Beyond his agency, Thajudeen has been a vocal advocate for mental wellness within the PR industry. He led a local PRCA survey that highlighted the issue of burnout, with 70% of respondents citing excessive work hours. His efforts are now focused on addressing wellness challenges across PR workplaces in Sri Lanka.

Thajudeen’s contributions to the PR industry extend through various voluntary roles. In Sri Lanka, he organised the country’s first PR industry webinar and published annual surveys, solidifying his reputation as a key industry leader. His writing on responsible PR practices has been featured on the PRCA blog and Campaign Asia Pacific.