Alex Runde

I'm a Charlotte-based creative leader with 13 years of experience in design and motion across some of the largest brands in financial services. I work as a senior creative lead within Plum House, Ally Financial's in-house agency — contributing to campaigns across digital, video, social, and broadcast, mentoring junior designers, and helping drive the creative standards and systems that keep the work consistent at scale.

My background spans in-house studios and agencies, with brand work for Ally Financial, Bank of America, Volvo Trucks North America, Metlife, and more. I bring both the craft foundation and the strategic range to lead integrated creative — and I'm currently pursuing an MBA in Innovation & Growth Strategies at UNC Charlotte to sharpen the business side of that equation.

Why an MBA? I'm pursuing an MBA in Innovation & Growth Strategies at UNC Charlotte not to leave creative — but to get better at leading it. The further I move into creative leadership, the more the work requires understanding business outcomes, not just executional craft. The MBA is where I'm building that muscle: design thinking, product strategy, market analysis, and the ability to walk into a room and speak both languages.

I'm always interested in conversations about creative leadership, brand strategy, and what's next.

The best way to contact me is aerunde@gmail.com