Digital agency VLT ramps up with 19 new hires

Design, technology and innovation agency VLT has made a record number of hires in the second quarter of 2015 – totaling 19 new hires as of May this year.This expansion gives the independent agency its highest headcount yet, with over 100 full-time staff, the agency told A+M.The diverse group of new hires consists of content specialists, designers, strategic planners, developers, client service specialists, a product manager and a lawyer.The new hires will be supporting VLT's plans ahead. For example, VLT’s newly hired in-house legal counsel is tasked to oversee and structure the agency’s various initiatives to scale as well as handle M&A structure for business acquisitions and regional expansion. Some of the legal tasks will also cover VLT’s continuing work with startups as well as a soon-to-be-launched venture fund for startups.The agency said that support for legal counsel is key to ensuring it is expanding in a strategic and sustainable manner. The agency is also looking to expand in Singapore, with plans to expand in the rest of the region.According to the agency, the varied skill sets and backgrounds will help to expand VLT’s consulting and creative capabilities. This also comes on the back of recent major client wins such as BMW Malaysia.The recent expansion is said to support an increasing number of initiatives that the agency is currently running, including those outside of the digital marketing landscape. These initiatives include launching a startup studio, a community events arm, and setting up an upcoming venture fund for startups.Jason Voon, director of strategy at VLT said: “We weren’t looking for industry rockstars. We were just on a constant lookout for passionate people with real-world experience, an entrepreneurial zeal and a tinge of rebelliousness.”He added, “But it’s exactly those unique outlooks on life that allow us to create market-leading offerings and effective, purpose-driven strategies for our clients.”