Singapore\’s Pokka CEO Suspended Amid Management Shake‑Up

Singapore\’s Pokka CEO Suspended Amid Management Shake‑Up

When Pokka Throws a Spin

Alain Ong—the 43‑year‑old chief executive of Pokka—found himself in a brief pause after a surprise management shake‑up this past week. He’s still an employee, but his top‑tier duties were put on hold during an internal audit at Pokka International, the company’s global marketing arm.

What the Press Says

  • A Shin Min Daily News report revealed that Ong was sidelined during the audit.
  • He’s the husband of Mediacorp actress Vivian Lai, which added a little extra buzz to the headline.
  • Meanwhile, Rieko Shofu is stepping in as acting CEO of Pokka International.

Keeping the Office Running

Despite the change, Ong is still part of the Pokka crew. In the interim, Shofu has taken over his role as deputy group CEO at Pokka Corporation (Singapore).

Quick Take
  • Manager’s got a brief break, not a complete exit.
  • New CEO in the mix—Shofu’s got the reins.
  • Ong stays on the payroll—just in a different seat.

Whenever a company flips the script, it’s like watching a game show that’s just switched the prize chimes. Pokka’s drama may feel like a corporate soap‑opera, but the company’s front is still working—just with a new host on the stage.

Pokka Times Shake‑Up: Who’s In, Who’s Out

Leadership shuffle at Pokka

  • Ms. Shofu steps up as the group CEO of Pokka Corporation (Singapore).
  • Both Pokka and its sister brand are owned by the Japanese giant Sapporo Holdings, which snapped up the Pokka label back in 2011.
  • No investigations on the horizon

  • A spokesman confirmed that neither the company nor its staff are under any external investigations.
  • Ms. Lai’s contract stays solid

  • Despite the changes involving her husband at Pokka, Ms. Lai’s contract remains untouched – at least for now – according to a Mediacorp statement released yesterday.
  • A decade‑long brand hero

  • Ms. Lai (41) has been the face of Pokka for over ten years.
  • Back in 2012, the newspaper reported she signed a $1 million ambassador deal with the beverage maker.
  • Internal audit sparks change

  • Mr. Ong, who joined Pokka in 2006, is part of a wave of upper‑management changes that arose during Pokka’s internal audit.
  • Pokka’s personnel shake‑up first hit the headlines last Wednesday, with businesses tied to Pokka getting written notifications about the shift in leadership.
  • New no‑go‑card for Mr. Ong

  • A letter dated September 19 clarified that Mr. Ong is no longer authorized to represent Pokka Corporation (Singapore) and Pokka International.
  • In short, Pokka’s leadership scene is shifting, but some key players—like Ms. Lai—remain firmly in place.*
  • Pokka’s Big Shake-Up

    The big news from Pokka isn’t just a new logo or a slick ad—it’s a fresh mix of managers that is meant to keep the engine running smoother than a jazz‑vinyl record during a marathon audit. “We’re just swapping people so there’s no hiccup while the auditors come over,” the spokesperson told Shin Min.

    Now, About Vivian Lai…

    • Long‑time Endorser – Vivian Lai, wife of Mr. Ong, has been the face of Pokka for more than ten years. That’s a pretty solid runway in an industry that loves to change.
    • Quiet on the Marketing Front – When asked if the brand has any grand plans for the future, the marketing team held their cards. “No decisions yet,” they said. It’s all very hush‑hush.
    • Employee Shield Rule – Pokka’s policy keeps internal things in the vault. They refuse to share details about who’s gone or who’s stayed.

    What’s the Bottom Line?

    Pokka’s management shuffle is just another “all right there’s plenty on the plate, we’ll keep it moving without a hitch.” For now, Finnian & Co.’s brand rebellion (the “CEOSF&B” buzz) continues without a splash of new ad campaigns, keeping the Ben & Jerry style of “we’re not messing things up for the customers” on the front file of the “The New Paper.”