It all began in 1948, when David Finn and Bill Ruder founded Ruder Finn out of a linen closet at the Lombardy Hotel in New York City.
They were driven by a shared belief that communications could deepen understanding, shape ideas, and move organizations forward. From their earliest days, they carved a reputation for creativity and integrity, and set the tone for an agency powered by purpose, insight, and a spirit of curiosity.
“Just because you don't know how to do something, doesn't mean you can't”
David’s philosophy, “Just because you don’t know how to do something, doesn’t mean you can’t,” became the agency’s compass and remains the foundation of who we are today as one of the world’s largest global independent integrated communications and marketing agencies.
The same ingenuity that launched us from a closet now fuels a global network of innovators and creators, all driven by a shared belief that communications, at its best, can make What’s Next possible.
Ruder Finn was among the first agencies to embed technology into its DNA. In 2020, we launched rf.TechLab, the first agency AI incubator, pioneering an agency model where innovation isn’t just an add-on, it is core to our business. Since then, we’ve built an integrated suite of platforms that keep clients ahead of change, with industry-first offerings like the first agency AI creative studio and the first agency Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) platform.
Our boldest work comes from blending human imagination with digital intelligence. It comes to life through collaboration across our creative, technology, influencer, and AI solutions, each shaping how we think, design, and deliver at scale.