Global Creative Network GUT Expands with Launch of Ninth Location in New York

Sep. 06, 2024

GUT today announced the launch of GUT New York, the ninth location for the award-winning global creative network operating across seven countries worldwide. The new office will be led by Managing Director Gus Marmarinos, who joins GUT after two decades at Saatchi & Saatchi, and Chief Creative Officer Lucas Bongioanni, formerly of The Community; they will report to GUT US CEO Sandra Alfaro. 

With key clients including AB InBev, Procter & Gamble, and Kraft Heinz, among others, and a robust team, GUT's latest office is well-positioned for growth and strengthens the agency’s presence in the US as its third office in the country along with Miami and LA. This latest expansion comes on the heels of the opening of GUT Madrid earlier this year. 

Alfaro said:

"Opening our doors in New York is more than just a milestone; it's a dream come true. We couldn't be more proud to become a part of the most influential city in the history of advertising. I'm delighted to welcome Gus and Lucas, who will help further fuel our extraordinary momentum in the market."

 

Throughout his 20+ year career, Gus Marmarinos has partnered with Fortune 500 brands on a national and global level, including Cheerios, Olay, Iams, Lenovo, TikTok, Pantene, My Black is Beautiful, and Tide among others. His work has also garnered multiple awards at the industry's most prestigious festivals, including Cannes Lions, Effie's, and Pencils. Gus spent a few years as a strategist before shifting back into account management, where his strategic expertise has made him an even more valued business partner for clients and creatives alike. After spending nearly 22 years within the Saatchi network, he spent the last two years as a strategic advisor to a variety of entrepreneurs, agencies, and start-up clients. 

Marmarinos said:

"It's a rare honor to launch a New York office for a celebrated global creative agency. I couldn't be more proud to have the opportunity to partner with these world-class marketers and talented team of ad nerds to deliver shared growth and success."

 

Lucas Bongioanni joins the agency from The Community in New York, where he led the creative work for clients such as Volkswagen, Netflix, Taco Bell, Perfect Bar, Bath and Body Works, and Oreo, among others. During his tenure, the agency picked up some of the industry's most prestigious awards, including being selected as both the Adweek and AdAge's Multicultural Agency of the Year 2023-2024, becoming the first agency ever to receive both awards in the same year. His work has collected several of the industry's most prestigious international awards, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Clio, Clio Entertainment, Webby, Effies, LIA, WAVE, Ojo, FIAP, El Diente, and more. Lucas has also been honored on Adweek's Creative 100 List and Campaign's Branded Entertainment Award. 

Bongioanni said:

"Over the last six years, I have watched GUT grow and evolve to become one of the best creative agencies in the world. I am thrilled to be a part of bringing this incredible agency to New York and can't wait to help write the next chapter for brave creativity in this amazing city."

 

Additional New York-based hires include US Director of Content Strategy Liz Little, US Culture Strategy Director Bennett Bennett; CD's Ryan McCarthy and Brian Mekjian; ACD's Clarissa Dale and Willow Ennen; NA Comms Director Alie Coolidge; Content Creator Jack Underwood; Group Business Lead Becky Herman-Barnica, Senior Account Director Ryan Little, and Senior Account Executive Maya Solarana; and Senior Project Manager Chelsea Thompson.