Thomas Tafuto
Thomas Tafuto has been a pioneer in the interactive space for over twenty five years and has collaborated with some of the world's most recognized brands including Apple, BP, IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, XBOX 360, MTV, Burton Snowboards, Converse, Nike, Levis, Giant Bicycles, and Virgin Mobile. Prior to founding i/o, Thomas was Senior Vice President of Creative at DIGITAS NY where he was the creative lead on brands including Samsung, IBM, and Delta. Prior to joining DIGITAS, Tafuto was the Executive Creative Director of Tribal DDB Worldwide and was the creative lead on Nokia, (RED), Pepsi, American Airlines, Exxon Mobil, AT&T;, Starbucks, Ingersoll Rand and Dyson. Thomas directed Tribal DDB's effort that garnered Ad Age's Global Agency Network of the Year in 2008 - the first time a digital agency has been honored with that award. He was also the executive creative lead on several of Tribal's worldwide new business pitches and racked up a total of 58 industry awards during his tenure at Tribal. Thomas began his career by founding Applied Imagination, Inc., one of the first interactive design firms and developed several of the industry's first interactive rich media applications and CD-ROMs from 1987 to 1989. His award-winning work included: software programs for Apple Computer, titles for ABC News InterActive; the very first version of Facebook originally called the HBS Yearbook, electronic courseware for the Harvard Business School; and Culture(R) A Multimedia Guide to Western Civilization. Thomas has also partnered with many of the world's top advertising agencies and includes working side-by-side with Jay Chiat to secure the MTV account, as well as stints with Ogilvy and Grey.