Solving for the challenges of modern marketing takes more than incremental change. So we’re reinventing how agencies think and work
Starting with our leadership.
Gina Smith
CEO
Formerly Known As the receptionist, and 20 years later our CEO, Gina Smith is the visionary leader of our convention-shattering agency that challenges the traditional rules of marketing. Gina led the transformation of hardworking direct response agency Rauxa into a data-fueled creative and technology powerhouse, building an all-star leadership team and driving unprecedented success for blue chip clients including Verizon, Amazon, Audi, and Bristol Myers Squibb. A mother of three and member of the Marketing Hall of Femme, Gina has instilled her tenacity, spirit, and humanity into the “good troublemaker” culture of Formerly Known As.
Solange Claudio
President and COO
Formerly Known As a project manager with boardroom dreams, and now our President and COO, Solange Claudio is an executive unicorn who fully understands the seamless integration of creativity, technology, business operations, and consumer behaviors. With 20+ years of agency leadership, Solange nerds out on solving complex business challenges and has consistently driven performance during her time at Ogilvy, McCann, Zenith, and most recently for industry disruptors Moxie and MRY. Proudly Latinx and one of the most respected BIPOC voices in advertising, Solange is uniquely aware of the importance of culture and inclusion in the workplace and has a passion for being at the vanguard of change.
Building a culture aligned with people’s values
At Formerly Known As, everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. We value the individual strengths of our team members, fostering an inclusive workplace where any employee can contribute to meaningful outcomes, from the ground up.
Meet Our People
We’re not here to check boxes
We believe hiring for diversity is simply not enough. Representation must be woven into everything we do, including our work. That’s why our Anti-Bias Group was established to drive inclusivity and eliminate bias from the work we put out into the world on behalf of our brands. From insights in a strategic brief to creative content to the data we analyze, our work and actions are constantly evaluated through inclusivity.
The willingness to question everything is at the heart of reinvention. We do our best and most innovative thinking when we ask the right questions and refuse to take anything at face value.
Since change can happen at any moment, we put equal emphasis on excellence and urgency to create the best outcomes for all.
We trust in evidence—to inspire our thinking, guide our decisions, and ensure the business impact of our work—so we are tireless in its pursuit.
We honor the power of each individual to bring their authentic self to everything they touch—knowing radical reinvention requires a combination of expertise, perspective, and craft.
We exercise empathy and transparency at all times, doing what’s right for our clients, our business, and every human involved.
Let's work together
If you’re curious, we are too. Tell us how we can help you.
