Shannon Hannibal
Absolutely relentless.
Location
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Company
GajaCash
Industry
Finance
Top Skills
Shannon Hannibal
Absolutely relentless.
Location
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Company
GajaCash
Industry
Finance
Top Skills
Top Skills
Founder
Founded Relentless Pvt Ltd (GajaCash).
Startup Operations
Excels at the complex early startup jobs including distribution, narrative, stakeholder alignment, and building operational infrastructure.
Digital Marketing
Managed and executed multi-channel digital campaigns with monthly budgets exceeding $1 million dollars, focusing on performance.
About Shannon
Bio
Commercial + growth execution across Sri Lanka and international markets: I’ve run and managed multi-channel digital campaigns (with monthly budgets exceeding $1 million dollars), analytics, and performance systems, and I understand how to build demand and partnerships in a highly regulated environment.
Financial services exposure (HSBC experience) gives me credibility when speaking to banks about customer pain, risk, process discipline, and operational KPIs.
My “unfair advantage” in this story is that I can do the three hardest startup jobs early: distribution + narrative + stakeholder alignment - while still being detail-oriented enough to build the operational machine.
Company
GajaCash
Elevator Pitch
GajaCash is a decentralized, merchant-based P2P cash-out infrastructure designed to expand cash access in Sri Lanka. It enables users to withdraw cash from nearby verified merchants like fuel stations and pharmacies via a 3-sided marketplace. The platform connects banks, merchants, and consumers to optimize cash distribution without increasing ATM footprints.
Industry
Finance
Location
Piliyandala, Sri Lanka
Website
Team Size
Just Me/Co-Founders
Funding Stage
Unsure
Funding Raised
None/Bootstrapped
Annual Revenue
$0 to $100k
Skills
| Skill | Strength | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Founded Relentless Pvt Ltd (GajaCash). | |
| Startup Operations | Excels at the complex early startup jobs including distribution, narrative, stakeholder alignment, and building operational infrastructure. | |
| Digital Marketing | Managed and executed multi-channel digital campaigns with monthly budgets exceeding $1 million dollars, focusing on performance. | |
| Bootstrapped Company | Successfully bootstrapped Relentless Pvt Ltd. | |
| Financial Services | Extensive exposure to financial services through HSBC and current venture, providing credibility with banks. | |
| Operational Management | Capable of building and managing the 'operational machine' with a detail-oriented approach. | |
| Distribution Strategy | Possesses an 'unfair advantage' in early-stage startups, particularly in distribution. | |
| Fintech | Founder of GajaCash, a fintech cash-access marketplace in Sri Lanka. | |
| Stakeholder Alignment | Adept at aligning diverse stakeholders, identified as a critical early-stage startup job. | |
| Growth Execution | Led commercial and growth execution across Sri Lanka and international markets, driving demand and partnerships. | |
| Performance Analytics | Managed and utilized analytics and performance systems to optimize digital campaign effectiveness. | |
| Sri Lankan Market | Experience and current focus on commercial and growth execution in Sri Lanka, specifically with GajaCash. | |
| Regulated Environments | Skilled in navigating and operating within highly regulated environments, particularly in financial services. | |
| Sri Lanka Bank-to-Bank Rails | Proficient with Sri Lanka's bank-to-bank payment rails like LANKAQR, JustPay, and CEFTS, crucial for GajaCash development. | |
| Operational KPIs | Expertise in defining and managing operational Key Performance Indicators to drive business performance. | |
| Partnership Development | Experienced in developing and managing partnerships, particularly in regulated sectors like financial services. | |
| Narrative Development | Skilled in crafting compelling narratives for stakeholder alignment. | |
| Marketplace Development | Developed GajaCash, a cash-access marketplace on Sri Lanka’s bank-to-bank rails. | |
| Demand Generation | Skilled in building demand in highly regulated environments, crucial for financial services. | |
| Risk Management | Understands customer pain, risk, and process discipline, especially within banking operations. | |
| Process Discipline | Proficient in ensuring and implementing process discipline, vital in highly regulated environments. | |
| International Markets | Experience in commercial and growth execution across international markets. |
Experiences
JOBRelentless Pvt Ltd
Title
Founder
Position Description
Founded Relentless Pvt Ltd, leading the development and strategic execution for GajaCash, a cash-access marketplace built on Sri Lanka’s bank-to-bank payment rails (LANKAQR/JustPay/CEFTS). Personal connections at HSBC, Nations Trust Bank and Bank of China to enable pilot programs.
Accomplishment Notes
Launched GajaCash to enable banks to expand cash access without increasing ATM footprint, by turning trusted merchants into cash-out points, and successfully bootstrapped the company.
JOBHSBC
Title
Financial Services Professional
Position Description
Gained hands-on experience and credibility in financial services, understanding critical aspects such as customer pain points, risk assessment, process discipline, and key operational performance indicators within a banking environment.
Accomplishment Notes
Developed deep insights into banking operations and regulatory challenges, enabling effective communication with financial institutions on complex topics.
EXPERIENCEUprise Digital
Title
Senior Digital Strategist
Position Description
• Identified and defined clients' product positioning, unique selling propositions (USPs), ideal target markets and creating tailored marketing strategies for both E-Commerce and Leads clients. • Developed comprehensive marketing funnels with strategic reinvestment timelines, ensuring clients maximize ROI from bottom to top of the funnel (experienced in Lead Magnet, E-Com, Webinar, Email, Book-a-call and SLO Funnels) • Set up and managed Google (Search, Display, PMax) Ads, Facebook (Catalog, Leads, Video, Offer) Ads, LinkedIn Video Ads and utilized tools like Google Tag Manager, GA4, PixelYourSite, GoHighLevel and HubSpot for precise tracking and lead delivery.
Accomplishment Notes
JOBCurious Minds Media Pty Ltd
Title
Digital Strategist
Position Description
• Managed end-to-end execution of digital campaigns for high-profile political clients in Australia (Including Parliamentarians and NGOs like UNHCR AU, WorldVision AU & CA, PETA AU, Amnesty AU & NZ, Save the Children NZ, Alliance for Gambling Reform, World Animal Protection AU) • Designed and launched paid digital media campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and Google Ads, DCM, and several DSPs such as: Stackadapt, Trade Desk, Roku OneView, Samsung Ads • Specialized in Persuasion and List Building campaigns, achieving KPI benchmarks like frequency, spending full budgets of $1,000,000+ monthly, viewability, video competitions and informing citizens of the most fundamental legislation and candidates
Accomplishment Notes
JOBW360 Group Pte Ltd
Title
Campaign Specialist
Position Description
• Developed, implemented paid ads (Google Ads, Meta Suite, Google Tag Manager) with constant monitoring (Lookerstudio, Google Analytics 4) and social campaigns (Oktoboard), providing weekly optimization recommendations. • Performed keyword analysis, research for paid search campaigns, developed effective ad creatives and targeting for paid social campaigns with monthly budgets of $25,000+ • Administered, tracked and generated campaign reports, with insightful analysis of key campaign metrics
Accomplishment Notes
JOBCasino Marina
Title
Digital Marketing Manager
Position Description
Rank Entertainment Holdings (PVT) LTD, 422, R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka Digital Marketing Manager May 2021 – November 2022 • Championed branding strategy for 13 companies of the group; laying out color schemes, graphic design and brand personality. • Standardized all online marketing activities using Google Ads, Eskimi, Meta Suite and Google Tag Manager. • Developed gamification strategy (using www. Smartico.ai) and Google Analytics 4 to directly increase revenues innovative strategies to maximize brand exposure to potential clients via online advertising in very restricted industries.
Accomplishment Notes
JOBCasino Marina
Title
Digital Marketing Manager
Position Description
422, R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka • Championed branding strategy for 13 companies of the group; laying out color schemes, graphic design and brand personality. • Standardized all online marketing activities using Google Ads, Eskimi, Meta Suite and Google Tag Manager. • Developed gamification strategy (using www. Smartico.ai) and Google Analytics 4 to directly increase revenues innovative strategies to maximize brand exposure to potential clients via online advertising in very restricted industries.
Accomplishment Notes
I was recruited by Casino Marina in 2021 when the company was reeling from frozen cashflows as a result of COVID-19. I led the pivot to the online casino model and was instrumental in creating their online user base from zero to $2,000,000 revenue a month within the span of a little over a year.
JOBFleishmanHillard, Inc
Title
Social Media Intern
Position Description
1999 Bryan St #3200, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Accomplishment Notes
• Completed Lennox International’s latest Capstone Project: The Future of HVAC – Growth Opportunities for Lennoxthrough Social Media Marketing which included TikTok & Instagram Marketing. • Collaborated closely with Fleishman Hillard mentors and staff to aggregate data from various online social listening and offlinesources necessary for the project. • Mastered Crimson Hexagon and Meta Community Management to tackle perception of helplessness and dependency among consumers, leading to a loss of trust in HVAC companies
JOBAsura Manufacturing Industries (PVT) LTD
Title
Communications Specialist
Position Description
9/6 Kahapola, Madapatha, Sri Lanka • Launched advertising initiative to comprising of multi-media ATL & BTL elements, resulting in production increase of 18,000+ pieces per month. • Developed Go-To-Market plans for product division including channel development and SKU rationalization. Implemented stock control, waste control, quality assurance and maintenance accountability measures to ensure smooth operations. • Completed SEDEX Audit for factory, coordinating Auditors needs with management and ensuring completing of non-compliance.
Accomplishment Notes
JOBCasino Marina
Title
Digital Marketing Manager
Position Description
422, R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka • Championed branding strategy for 13 companies of the group; laying out color schemes, graphic design and brand personality. • Standardized all online marketing activities using Google Ads, Eskimi, Meta Suite and Google Tag Manager. • Developed gamification strategy (using www. Smartico.ai) and Google Analytics 4 to directly increase revenues innovative strategies to maximize brand exposure to potential clients via online advertising in very restricted industries.
Accomplishment Notes
I was recruited by Casino Marina in 2021 when the company was reeling from frozen cashflows as a result of COVID-19. I led the pivot to the online casino model and was instrumental in creating their online user base from zero to $2,000,000 revenue a month within the span of a little over a year.
JOBW360 Group Pte Ltd
Title
Campaign Specialist
Position Description
230 Victoria Street, #15-01, Singapore • Developed, implemented paid ads (Google Ads, Meta Suite, Google Tag Manager) with constant monitoring (Lookerstudio, Google Analytics 4) and social campaigns (Oktoboard), providing weekly optimization recommendations. • Performed keyword analysis, research for paid search campaigns, developed effective ad creatives and targeting for paid social campaigns with monthly budgets of $25,000+ • Administered, tracked and generated campaign reports, with insightful analysis of key campaign metrics
Accomplishment Notes
EXPERIENCEUprise Digital
Title
Senior Digital Strategist
Position Description
20 Gwyne St, Cremorne VIC 3121, Australia • Identified and defined clients' product positioning, unique selling propositions (USPs), ideal target markets and creating tailored marketing strategies for both E-Commerce and Leads clients. • Developed comprehensive marketing funnels with strategic reinvestment timelines, ensuring clients maximize ROI from bottom to top of the funnel (experienced in Lead Magnet, E-Com, Webinar, Email, Book-a-call and SLO Funnels) • Set up and managed Google (Search, Display, PMax) Ads, Facebook (Catalog, Leads, Video, Offer) Ads, LinkedIn Video Ads and utilized tools like Google Tag Manager, GA4, PixelYourSite, GoHighLevel and HubSpot for precise tracking and lead delivery.
Accomplishment Notes
JOBCurious Minds Media Pty Ltd
Title
Digital Strategist
Position Description
270 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD, Australia • Managed end-to-end execution of digital campaigns for high-profile political clients in Australia (Including Parliamentarians and NGOs like UNHCR AU, WorldVision AU & CA, PETA AU, Amnesty AU & NZ, Save the Children NZ, Alliance for Gambling Reform, World Animal Protection AU) • Designed and launched paid digital media campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), and Google Ads, DCM, and several DSPs such as: Stackadapt, Trade Desk, Roku OneView, Samsung Ads • Specialized in Persuasion and List Building campaigns, achieving KPI benchmarks like frequency, spending full budgets of $1,000,000+ monthly, viewability, video competitions and informing citizens of the most fundamental legislation and candidates
Accomplishment Notes
EDUCATIONThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
Title
MSc, Project Management (Marketing)
Position Description
Honors Flagship Student Ambassador : https://web.archive.org/web/20210125051911/https://om.utdallas.edu/voices/student-experiences/ms-management-science-experiences/ms-in-management-science-helped-me-achieve-my-purpose/
Accomplishment Notes
https://web.archive.org/web/20210125051911/https://om.utdallas.edu/voices/student-experiences/ms-management-science-experiences/ms-in-management-science-helped-me-achieve-my-purpose/
EDUCATIONThe University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
Title
MSc, Project Management (Marketing)
Position Description
Honors Flagship Student Ambassador : https://web.archive.org/web/20210125051911/https://om.utdallas.edu/voices/student-experiences/ms-management-science-experiences/ms-in-management-science-helped-me-achieve-my-purpose/
Accomplishment Notes
https://web.archive.org/web/20210125051911/https://om.utdallas.edu/voices/student-experiences/ms-management-science-experiences/ms-in-management-science-helped-me-achieve-my-purpose/
EXPERIENCENorthwood University, Midland, Michigan, USA
Title
BBA, International Business
Position Description
Honors: Cum Laude
Accomplishment Notes
Completed the 4 year degree with Cum Laude in 2 years and 2 semesters!
PERSONALFasted for 30 Days and 30 Nights To Lose 30 kg
Title
Position Description
Accomplishment Notes
PERSONALFasted for 30 Days and 30 Nights To Lose 30 kg
Title
Position Description
Accomplishment Notes
VOLUNTEERLiberty Publishers Private Limited
Title
Journalist
Position Description
Investigated several breaking stories and published them on The Morning Newspaper. Some examples include the following. https://www.themorning.lk/articles/IOJ46bJlj4dBjTLsUkOR https://www.themorning.lk/articles/uBbuZmmlfA5OgTCfecTZ https://www.themorning.lk/articles/lEJr9RqW4YiO1xAnWiYf
Accomplishment Notes
VOLUNTEERLiberty Publishers Private Limited
Title
Journalist
Position Description
Investigated several breaking stories and published them on The Morning Newspaper. Some examples include the following. https://www.themorning.lk/articles/IOJ46bJlj4dBjTLsUkOR https://www.themorning.lk/articles/uBbuZmmlfA5OgTCfecTZ https://www.themorning.lk/articles/lEJr9RqW4YiO1xAnWiYf
Accomplishment Notes
EXPERIENCENorthwood University, Midland, Michigan, USA
Title
BBA, International Business
Position Description
Honors: Cum Laude
Accomplishment Notes
Completed the 4 year degree with Cum Laude in 2 years and 2 semesters!
PERSONALFasted for 30 Days and 30 Nights To Lose 30 kg
Title
Position Description
Accomplishment Notes
VOLUNTEERLiberty Publishers Private Limited
Title
Journalist
Position Description
Investigated several breaking stories and published them on The Morning Newspaper. Some examples include the following. https://www.themorning.lk/articles/IOJ46bJlj4dBjTLsUkOR https://www.themorning.lk/articles/uBbuZmmlfA5OgTCfecTZ https://www.themorning.lk/articles/lEJr9RqW4YiO1xAnWiYf
Accomplishment Notes