Global marketing and communications giant, Publicis Groupe, has successfully acquired AKA Asia, a distinguished Singaporean PR consultancy celebrated as one of PRovoke Media’s Asia-Pacific Agencies of the Decade in 2020. Founded in 2009 by Kate O’Shea and Amy Wright, AKA Asia has grown to a team of 50, with Leya Teo serving as the CEO.

The acquisition marks AKA Asia’s integration into Publicis Groupe’s regional influence practice, led by Margaret Key, alongside the established full-service PR consultancy, MSL. This strategic move aims to bolster Publicis Groupe’s capabilities in the region and provide clients with innovative solutions.

Amrita Randhawa, CEO of Publicis Groupe Singapore and Southeast Asia, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of AKA Asia, which has a stellar reputation in Singapore and will complement our existing agency capabilities to deliver exceptional solutions for our clients.”

Kate O’Shea and Amy Wright, founders of AKA Asia, have earned recognition for building an outstanding operation known for conceptualizing and executing fearless and creative communications campaigns for a diverse clientele. Leya Teo, AKA Asia’s CEO, highlighted the agency’s commitment to prioritizing its people and delivering innovative, creative work anchored in an earned-first approach.

Teo also expressed anticipation about leveraging Publicis’s Power of One philosophy and its diverse ecosystem to benefit clients across Asia, emphasizing the opportunities this collaboration will provide for AKA Asia’s talented team. The acquisition aligns with Publicis Groupe’s strategy to enhance its market presence and deliver impactful solutions through collaborative ventures.