Open to opportunities

Lochana Siriwardena

@lochanasiriwardena

Message

Communications manager specializing in internal communications, employee engagement, and DEI-driven content strategy.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a communications or employee engagement role where I can lead cross-functional internal campaigns, elevate executive storytelling, and deliver DEI-aligned culture initiatives with measurable engagement growth.

I’m a communications professional with 5+ years of international experience specializing in internal communications, employee engagement, and content strategy. I build executive-ready narratives and campaign plans that drive measurable adoption—up to 85%—across local and global teams.

At British American Tobacco (BAT), I led internal communications strategy aligned with the employee value proposition (EVP), DEI initiatives, and organizational culture. I managed global employee engagement campaigns (increasing participation by 25%), directed town halls and virtual events, and revamped intranet experiences by launching a new internal engagement platform with 85% employee adoption. I also created multimedia content—newsletters, videos, and intranet assets—and used employee feedback and engagement data to refine what we delivered.

Earlier, as a Senior Associate and Associate at McLarens Group of Companies, I strengthened transparency and engagement through cross-functional communication initiatives across 8+ departments, planned company-wide events, and supported media outreach through press releases. Most recently, I’ve worked as a freelance designer and social media consultant, building editorial calendars and content strategies using Canva and iterating based on performance to optimize reach and engagement.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Freelance Designer & Consultant

MoMo Lanka

Oct 2024 - Feb 2025 (4 months)

Developed and executed content strategies to enhance brand storytelling and audience engagement across channels. Designed editorial calendars and visual content in Canva, monitoring performance to improve reach and engagement.

Content Strategy Editorial Calendar Management Canva Brand storytelling Social Media Content Campaign Optimization Content Performance Audience Engagement

Communications Manager

British American Tobacco

Mar 2021 - Jan 2023 (1 year 10 months)

Led internal communications strategy aligned to EVP, DEI initiatives, and organizational culture. Managed global engagement campaigns (25% participation increase) and revamped intranet/internal engagement platform, achieving 85% employee adoption.

Internal Communications Employee Engagement Campaign Management

Senior Associate, Communications

McLarens Group of Companies

Dec 2018 - Mar 2021 (2 years 3 months)

Led internal communications programs to improve employee engagement and transparency. Managed cross-functional initiatives across 8+ departments, planned company-wide events, and supported press releases and media outreach to strengthen brand visibility.

Internal Communications Employee Engagement Content Development Vendor coordination

Associate, Communications

McLarens Group of Companies

Nov 2017 - Dec 2018 (1 year 1 month)

Developed and executed monthly social content calendars, increasing engagement by 33%. Designed branded materials and produced scripts and coordinated internal corporate video communications across digital, print, and events.

Social Media Management Adobe Creative Suite Canva Editorial Planning

Trainee, Communications

McLarens Group of Companies

May 2017 - Nov 2017 (6 months)

Supported development of corporate communications processes and internal messaging frameworks. Coordinated internal communications materials and helped HR and leadership with employee engagement and onboarding communications.

Corporate Communications Employee Engagement Messaging Frameworks Content Development