A tribute to Lilamani Benson from 'her advertising family'

The stories that are written of Lilamani’s life could fill a sizable library, and yet you would want to write one more. Some were funny and some were legendary, but the blessed soul she was, she took both with the same kindly spirit. Whenever she was near or her name was whispered in the ear, there was a sense of nervousness. If you were newly christened to that feeling, at first, you’d think it is fear, but in fact it was well earned respect. She looked like an Iron Lady but she had a heart of a child. A writer by nature, who was well art directed from head to toe, regardless of what the day’s brief was. A person who genuinely believed that every single brand in the agency were the agency’s babies, that needed to be protected from temporary foster parents. She had foresight, that saw well beyond the tick boxes that plague brands. So she built them to last, well beyond those who tried to limit the brand’s potential.

 

In an era of mad men there was Lilamani, who relentlessly worked to out shine all the men in the industry. Finally, after years of hard-fought experiences, she founded Lowe LDB. There she put her name on the door, and made it a home for problematic children who were very talented - the Xavier of Creatives. There are endless narratives of how she picked up prodigies from every conceivable discipline and industry, to make the diversity count. She knew how to get the best out of someone even while they were at their worst behavior, making LDB Lintas the mad powerhouse in the late 90’s. That LDB Lintas became Lowe LDB and is called MullenLowe Sri Lanka.

 

It is obvious, that she will be terribly missed by the larger family she has created. But her legend does not live in her name or in a plaque that is erected, it lives in the countless leaders she nurtured, who are right now transforming not just the ad industry. She will be celebrated, remembered, and her memories will be treasured by the lives she touched. Openly and silently. A lady of charisma and of grace. Life will go on, but it will never be the same for most us, without Lilamani. Rest in Peace LDB we shall from time to time place a brief and its accolades on your shrine.

 

Love,

Your advertising family.