You Won’t Be Seeing Vivian Lai In Pokka Green Tea Ads Anymore
We’re all familiar with seeing Vivian Lai in Pokka green tea ads plastered everywhere.
But they’re about to get a new look as the long-time brand ambassador’s contract with the company comes to an end.
Vivian Lai’s links to Pokka shrouded in controversy
Pokka recently suspended Ms Lai’s husband, Mr Alain Ong, from his position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The suspension was said to be necessary to ensure that operations ran smoothly while the company underwent internal auditing. He is still employed by Pokka.
Despite this information, many people speculated that the ex-CEO’s relationship with his wife could have cost him his position.
Ms Lai had reportedly signed a S$1 million deal in 2012 to endorse the brand, but this was refuted by Mediacorp after news of her husband’s suspension broke.
A more recent report claimed that the actual amount was a five-figure sum instead.
Amidst the controversy surrounding her links to Pokka, Ms Lai’s contract with the company remained unchanged.
Vivian Lai no longer seen in Pokka ads
Since October, netizens have started noticing that online ads for Pokka green tea no longer feature Vivian Lai.
Neither the beverage company nor Ms Lai herself have made any official announcements.
Both parties only released comments when contacted by Channel 8 news, with Pokka confirming that it would not renew Ms Lai’s contract.
Pokka’s new CEO Ms Reiko Shofu expressed gratitude towards Ms Lai for her contribution to the company.
Ms Lai meanwhile thanked the company for the opportunity to serve as its spokesperson since 2012.
Who will be the new face of Pokka green tea?
There’s been a mysterious man with green hair appearing in Pokka green tea ads that pop up on websites.
We have no idea who he might be, but he has appeared in similar ads with Vivian Lai before.
Ms Lai’s most recent appearance in this Pokka ad was shared by the company on its Facebook page on 1 Sep, before the controversy began.
Ms Lai herself last shared this same ad on her Facebook page on 11 Sep as well.
Other ads thereafter only featured the man with green hair or cartoon characters in a similar getup.
The latest ad featuring the green-haired man was posted on Pokka’s Facebook page on 17 September.
Who is this mysterious green-haired man?
And will there be a new celebrity spokesperson to replace Vivian Lai?
Keep your eye out for Pokka’s posters or banner ads whenever you’re out and about.
Featured image from Facebook and Facebook.
