• by Fern Siegel , 2 hours ago

Former MullenLowe U.S. CEO, Frank Cartagena has a new gig: president of OK Future, a new indie creative agency he founded.

AI is changing how agencies scale. OK Future's difference is believing small teams of senior talent can utilize tech that once demanded larger entities. However, human judgment and creativity center all activity.

The new shop just debuted its first campaign for goodwipes. Cartagena and a small team of full-time staffers have researched, ideated and conceived campaigns, thanks in part, to AI.

“Our launch is a case study for any advertising professional considering going out on their own. You don’t need private equity or holding company backing. You can do this,” Cartagena said. “There’s a big difference between pitching work and actually making it. So we’re hiring. But I see a bright future where the barriers to entry are lowered, and creative thinking is elevated.” 

Cartagena comes with top credentials. Before becoming CEO, MullenLowe U.S., he was Chief Creative Officer. His ad career has included senior posts at 360i, KBS, Deutsch and DDB. His experience spans brands such as Netflix, Amazon, BMW, General Motors, Dunkin', OREO, Diageo, Absolut, KFC, Kroger and Bath & Body Works.

"Today, incredibly talented people can accomplish what once required entire departments. We built OK Future around that reality, combining human thinking and technology in a way that creates better work, faster," he said.

OK Future's premise: Experience is crucial in an era where anyone can generate ideas. The real competitive advantage is knowing which ideas will work. 

OK Future partners directly with founders, CEOs and marketing leaders on brand strategy, positioning, campaign development, product launches, creative platforms and business transformation.