Shalendra Mendis is a highly accomplished digital marketing leader and Founder of The Hackvertising Network, a collective of specialized digital agencies focused on rethinking traditional advertising models. With over 12 years of experience, he previously served as the youngest-ever Vice President at GroupM South Asia, leading multiple teams and driving digital strategies for multinational clients such as Unilever, Red Bull, Uber, and Dell, as well as major local brands.

Shalendra has earned global recognition, including a Gold at the Festival of Media Awards in Rome and being the only South Asian selected as a Mindshare Young Lion at Cannes Lions. Under his leadership, GroupM Sri Lanka became the most awarded digital agency in the country, achieving multiple Golds and Silver at Campaign Asia’s “Digital Agency of the Year.”

He combines strategic vision, innovative thinking, and hands-on expertise in digital transformation, programmatic media, and high-performance team leadership.