Lazada's VP of comms Julia Wei returns to her agency roots

Lazada’s VP of integrated communications Julia Wei (pictured) has left the company to join AKA Asia, in the newly-created role of managing partner. At AKA Asia, she will work in partnership with founding partners Kate O'Shea and Amy Wright to provide creative and strategic direction, while continuing to drive its culture of “fearless creativity” and integrated thinking across digital, social and traditional communications. 

Wei first joined Lazada in May 2019, and reported to Cathy Yan, head of PR at Lazada Group. She was with the Alibaba-owned company until January 2020, and oversaw the communications around Lazada's recent rebranding efforts in line with its shoppertainment strategy during her time.   

However, Wei is no stranger to the agency scene. She was previously the general manager at the Secret Little Agency’s (TSLA). She first took on the role as GM of TSLA’s Singapore office in 2015. Prior to TSLA, Wei kicked off her communications career at Edelman. During her decade with the global PR agency, she rose up the ranks to the role of head of consumer - a practice she spearheaded in Singapore.

According to Wei, all roads have led her to AKA Asia - an independent, creative communications agency with a strong people-first culture. “I’m excited to add a new dimension to this growing team and to be part of its future, albeit at home in athleisure wear for the first few weeks,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Amy Wright, founding partner of AKA Asia said Wei is a rare find, and the agency has been searching for someone with her hybrid capabilities for some time. “In the words of Rihanna, we found love in a hopeless place, what with the COVID-19 challenges today,” she said, explaining that the creation of a new role during this period speaks volumes about the long-term potential and opportunity the agency sees in bringing Wei into the business. 

AKA Asia is a creatively charged integrated agency in Singapore with a team of over 40, and a portfolio of clients spanning the likes of Jetstar Asia, WhatsApp, Nike and the Economic Development Board. 

For more industry updates, behind the scenes action and creative inspiration, check us out on Instagram! Do say hi!