We are the Rhinos

Wendy Smith

President

As the founder of RedRhino, Wendy has overseen the growth and success of the agency since its inception in 1996. Wendy has developed a wide range of skills working across diverse markets and brands on both a local and national level for consumer and B2B clients. Today Wendy facilitates creative thinking with clients and her team to explore and discover better ways to grow businesses and brands in the digital space. Never being satisfied with good enough, Wendy pushes every day to do things better and isn't afraid to make bold decisions that lead to better results for her clients and team. Wendy's experience has set the stage for successful and ongoing relationships with RedRhino's extensive clientele.

wendy@red-rhino.com

David Basacco

Managing Director, RhinoActive

David oversees the design, development and release of RhinoActive's digital content. He's an expert project manager with a knack for turning complex problems into manageable tasks, his breadth of knowledge in the development space puts clients at ease and keeps projects on track. Before RhinoActive, David spent three years managing a successful software development startup. Prior to that, he worked as an associate advisor at one of Canada's largest financial institutions. David holds a Bachelor of Business Management and Organizational Studies from Western University.

dave@rhinoactive.com

Erik Higbee

Digital Design Director, RhinoActive

Erik is RhinoActive’s mobile UI and UX designer who had the privilege of spending the last three years pioneering the design department of a successful technology startup. As a strong communicator, he excels at understanding the client’s vision, guiding the project through wire-framing to development. His technical skills also include responsive front-end web design, rapid prototyping, and user-centered, persuasive design.

erik@rhinoactive.com

Stephanie Pennacchietti

Account Director

Stephanie brings ten years of experience to the RhinoActive team in marketing, communications, training management and coordination.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Media Studies with a focus on Public Relations from the University of Guelph as well as a Media Communications diploma from Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

Her areas of expertise include website strategy and architecture, attention to detail, organization and creative writing. Stephanie is responsible for overseeing the website accounts team and release of all digital content through RhinoActive. She is also responsible for client communications and internal management of projects to ensure proper workflow from initial concept through to completion to meet client expectations - on time and on budget.

stephanie@rhinoactive.com

Matt Michels

Chief Technology Officer, RhinoActive

Matt oversees development, strategic direction and technical operations at RhinoActive. He's a trained electrical engineer, and used programming as a springboard into the world of technology startups. Before RhinoActive, Matt founded his first software development company while still an undergraduate student. Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Delaware.

matt@rhinoactive.com

Xi Yan

Business & Digital Strategist

Xi combines a variety of digital marketing tools with business thinking to bring clients measurable, beautiful results. Xi holds a Business Management degree, with a focus in Marketing and Corporate Strategy, from the Ivey School of Business at Western University. His results-driven approach to digital marketing allows him to craft strategy that directly impacts corporate goals and performance.

xi@red-rhino.com

Ryan Budden

Chief of Business Development, USA

Ryan is our man on the ground in the United States, with an international background that extends to three other continents. He's a big picture thinker with a knack for translating creative services, particularly digital technology, into terms that relate to client business goals. Prior to RedRhino, Ryan worked the sales desk at a prominent foreign exchange dealer in New York City. He is also the founder of two successful digital businesses. Ryan holds a BSBA from Elon University in North Carolina.

ryan@rhinoactive.com

Michael Ramsey

Digital Director

Michael brings over a decade of digital marketing experience to Red Rhino. Previous to Red Rhino he has worked freelance, client-side, and with multiple agencies. Mike has delivered award-winning work for groups of all sizes, spanning local businesses to global Fortune 500 enterprises. His strong technical background helps him bring industry-leading solutions to the most complex challenges in the areas of SEO, analytics, and automation. Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and East Asian Studies from York University.

michael@red-rhino.com