Duolingo nabs former Publicis Chemistry ECD as its first APAC head of creative

Language learning platform Duolingo has appointed Pei Ling Ho (pictured) as its new regional head of creative for Asia Pacific, as the company doubles down on one of its fastest-growing regions.

Based in Singapore, Ho will lead Duolingo’s creative strategy and execution across key APAC markets including China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia. She joins the brand’s Global Brand Studio and will report to James Kuczynski, senior creative director in New York.

The newly created role reflects Duolingo’s growing focus on APAC, which has emerged as one of its fastest-expanding regions globally.

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In her role, Ho will work closely with country marketing leads and agency partners to drive culturally relevant brand moments, partnerships and content aimed at enhancing the learner experience across the region.

Ho brings over 18 years of creative leadership experience across Asia. She was previously executive creative director at Publicis Chemistry and also served as global creative director for Creative Works, APAC at Google. Earlier in her career, she was creative director at Publicis Singapore and associate creative director at R/GA Singapore.

“APAC is a huge opportunity for Duolingo. It’s vibrant, diverse and full of people who love great creative. Ho's deep experience in Asia will bring a culture-first approach to making memorable work that brings people together," said Kucynzki.

Speaking on her new role, Ho said, “What draws me to Duolingo is how many lives it has impacted, helping learners learn what they want and how they want. There’s heart behind Duo’s fun and irreverence, and I’m excited to help shape how this energy shows up in APAC." 

Her appointment comes as Duolingo continues to expand its commercial and brand offerings.

In October, the company rolled out a new mobile-first advertising platform, Duolingo Ads, aimed at helping brands connect with Gen Z through character-led formats. Built to “delight, not disrupt”, the platform features Duolingo’s cast of characters and includes rewarded videos and native ad experiences embedded into bite-sized learning moments.

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