Technology

Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

TechnologyJun 18, 2025

Alex Brown Named President of Smithee Group

Founder and longtime CEO Ben Smithee will stay with the agency, transitioning into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor.

Alex Brown
Alex Brown is the new president of The Smithee Group.
Dallas—Digital strategy and brand growth agency The Smithee Group (TSG) has announced that Alex Brown has been promoted to president.

Brown has been with the company for more than eight years and previously held the role of vice president of operations at TSG, according to her LinkedIn

She has played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s culture, operational excellence, and client success, the company said, and her promotion reflects both her demonstrated leadership, as well as the agency’s commitment to long-term growth, sustainability, and team development. 

As president, Brown will oversee the agency’s operations, team leadership, and client partnerships, while continuing to scale the company’s impact in the digital and brand strategy space, said TSG. 

“It’s an honor to step into this role and lead such a talented, values-driven team,” said Brown.  

“TSG has always been about more than marketing—it’s about helping brands make meaningful impact. I’m excited to carry that mission forward and continue building on the foundation Ben and the team have laid.” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

“Alex has been the heartbeat of this agency for years,” said founder Ben Smithee.  

“She’s led with excellence, humility, and strength—and this new role simply formalizes what many of our clients and team members already know. She’s the right leader for the next chapter.” 

Smithee, the agency’s longtime CEO, will transition into the role of founding partner and strategic advisor. He will remain actively involved in vision, strategy, and key initiatives under his new title. 

He will focus on thought leadership, client innovation, and mentoring the agency’s executive team, the company said. 

“This is not a departure—it’s a deepening of our structure to allow for greater impact,” Smithee said.  

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built and even more excited about where Alex and the team will take it.” 

The agency also announced a plan to rebrand. 

TSG said the refresh, slated to be revealed later this year, will reflect the agency’s expanded capabilities and bold vision for the future. 

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