In 2024, influencer marketing continues to be a key driver of brand success. However, mastering its complexities requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands a profound understanding of the industry's ever-changing dynamics. As this field evolves, it becomes crucial to learn from those who have perfected the craft, blending creativity with data-driven strategies to create meaningful connections between brands and audiences.
The influencer marketing landscape can be daunting, with new trends and shifting consumer behaviors constantly reshaping the field. That’s why it's essential to turn to those who not only adapt to these changes but also set the standard for the industry. These leaders are more than just influential figures; they are the visionaries who grasp the intricacies needed to craft impactful campaigns and foster trust with audiences.
At Phyllo, we are committed to staying at the forefront of this dynamic industry. To provide clarity and insight, we present the Voice of Influence 2024—a comprehensive guide spotlighting the top leaders in influencer marketing. This is part two of our list, featuring 28 additional trailblazers who are defining the future of the industry and providing valuable guidance for those seeking success in this space.
Join us in honoring these pioneers who are reshaping what it means to be influential in marketing. The Voice of Influence 2024 is your essential resource for learning from the best, helping you stay ahead in this fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.
Jeremy Zimmer, CEO of United Talent Agency
Jeremy Zimmer is the Chief Executive Officer of United Talent Agency (UTA), a leading global talent and entertainment company. Under his stewardship, UTA has solidified its reputation as a major force in the talent representation industry, managing a diverse portfolio that spans film, television, music, digital media, sports, and more. Based in Beverly Hills, UTA has expanded its reach internationally, with offices in New York, London, Nashville, and other key markets.
Zimmer is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to talent management and his commitment to creating opportunities for artists and creators in an ever-changing entertainment environment. He has been instrumental in UTA's evolution, guiding the agency through industry shifts and positioning it as a pioneer in digital media and branding partnerships. His leadership emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the intersection between media, technology, and culture, driving UTA's continued growth and success.
Matthew Wool, CEO of Acceleration Partners
Matthew Wool is the CEO of Acceleration Partners, a globally recognized partner marketing agency. In his role, Matthew focuses on driving the agency’s growth and refining its strategic direction to maintain its leading position in the performance marketing industry. Acceleration Partners operates across multiple regions, delivering impactful marketing solutions for a wide range of clients, from emerging startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Matthew's approach to leadership emphasizes a combination of innovation and operational excellence. He is passionate about building a company culture that prioritizes transparency, collaboration, and professional development, ensuring that both clients and team members thrive. His deep expertise in partner marketing, combined with his forward-thinking strategies, has positioned Acceleration Partners as a go-to agency for brands seeking scalable and results-driven marketing solutions.
Ryan Detert, CEO of Influential
Ryan Detert is the CEO of Influential, a leading AI-powered influencer marketing platform. As CEO, Ryan has been pivotal in shaping Influential into a key player in the marketing industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to connect brands with the right influencers. The platform uses advanced AI and data analytics to provide deep insights, helping brands create more impactful and measurable campaigns across various social media channels.
Ryan's leadership is characterized by his commitment to innovation and data-driven strategies. He has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with major platforms like IBM Watson, enabling Influential to offer unique solutions that optimize influencer marketing campaigns. His vision and expertise have positioned Influential as a trusted partner for brands looking to harness the power of authentic influencer connections in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Gilad Bechar, Founder and CEO of Moburst
Gilad Bechar is the Founder and CEO of Moburst, a top-tier growth agency known for working with major global brands like Google, Uber, and Samsung. Under his leadership, Moburst has rapidly ascended in the marketing world, earning recognition as one of Adweek’s fastest-growing agencies in 2022-2023. The agency specializes in helping businesses optimize their digital presence and achieve significant growth through innovative strategies and cutting-edge marketing solutions.
Gilad is renowned for his expertise in mobile and digital marketing, guiding Moburst to become a go-to agency for brands seeking to scale their digital initiatives. His hands-on approach, combined with a focus on data-driven results and creative problem-solving, has allowed Moburst to successfully navigate complex marketing challenges and deliver outstanding results for its clients.
Akhil Bhiwal, Founder and CEO of Phyllo
Akhil Bhiwal is the Founder and CEO of Phyllo, a platform that enables developers to easily access creator economy data. Under his leadership, Phyllo has become an essential tool for businesses looking to leverage data from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, helping brands and creators connect and build innovative solutions.
Akhil’s vision for Phyllo focuses on simplifying data access and integration, addressing the evolving needs of the creator economy. His approach has made Phyllo a critical resource for developers and businesses aiming to enhance their capabilities within the creator space. Through his leadership, Akhil continues to push forward solutions that empower businesses to succeed in the ever-growing creator economy.
Blake Haps, VP of Engineering at Tune
Blake Harps is the Vice President of Engineering at Tune, where he oversees the company's engineering strategy and operations. With a strong background in engineering leadership, Blake plays a key role in driving the development of Tune’s performance marketing technology, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of clients in the digital marketing industry.
His leadership style is centered around fostering innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence within his teams. Blake's focus on building robust and scalable solutions has helped Tune maintain its reputation as a leading platform in performance marketing. His commitment to staying ahead of industry trends ensures that the company continues to deliver high-quality, effective tools for marketers around the world.
Kristen Wiley, Founder and CEO of Statusphere
Kristen Wiley is the Founder and CEO of Statusphere, a platform designed to scale micro-influencer marketing efficiently. As CEO, Kristen has driven Statusphere's mission to simplify influencer marketing for brands, allowing them to connect with micro-influencers and create impactful campaigns in a fraction of the time it usually takes.
Her leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the influencer marketing space and a focus on leveraging technology to streamline campaign management. Kristen's innovative approach has helped Statusphere become a go-to solution for brands looking to harness the power of micro-influencers, enabling them to increase reach, engagement, and brand awareness effectively.
Matt Kwiecinski, UK CEO at Journey Further
Matt Kwiecinski is the UK CEO at Journey Further, a performance marketing agency known for its clear and results-driven approach. In his role, Matt leads the UK operations, driving the agency's mission to deliver more transparent and impactful marketing strategies for clients across various industries.
His leadership focuses on fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, ensuring that both the team and clients can work together seamlessly to achieve ambitious growth targets. With his expertise in performance marketing, Matt has been instrumental in positioning Journey Further as a trusted partner for brands seeking data-driven, measurable results in their digital marketing efforts.
Raina Penchansky, Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Brand Architects
Raina Penchansky is the Co-Founder and CEO of Digital Brand Architects, known for her influential role in the digital talent and influencer marketing industry. With a focus on building meaningful partnerships between creators and brands, Raina has been at the forefront of shaping how talent is managed and how brands leverage digital platforms for authentic engagement.
Her approach combines a deep understanding of the digital marketing industry with a commitment to empowering creators, helping them navigate the complexities of brand collaborations. As a leader, Raina has established her company as a trailblazer in the influencer marketing space, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for talent to grow and succeed in the digital era.
Andrea Van Dam, CEO of Stella Rising
Andrea Van Dam is the CEO of Stella Rising, a leading marketing and media agency specializing in elevating high-growth consumer brands. With a strong background in private equity, leadership, and non-profit work, Andrea brings a dynamic blend of expertise to her role.
In addition to her work at Stella Rising, she has served as the Past President of the National Charity League, Nutmeg Chapter, showcasing her commitment to community involvement and leadership development. Her approach to leadership emphasizes empowering brands and fostering a results-driven culture within her team. Under her guidance, Stella Rising has become known for its strategic marketing solutions and dedication to driving brand success in an ever-changing market.
Nick Stamos, CEO of Rakuten Advertising
Nick Stamos is the CEO of Rakuten Advertising, a global leader in digital marketing and advertising solutions. In his role, Nick oversees the company’s strategy and operations, focusing on delivering innovative advertising technology and building strategic partnerships with brands, publishers, and agencies worldwide.
With a background in tech and marketing, Nick brings a forward-thinking approach to digital advertising, emphasizing data-driven strategies and customer-centric solutions. His leadership has been key in driving Rakuten Advertising's success, positioning the company as a trusted partner for brands seeking to optimize their marketing efforts and achieve measurable results in a competitive marketplace.
John Berry, Chairperson at MG Empower
John Berry is the Chairperson at MG Empower, a global influencer marketing agency known for its innovative strategies and brand partnerships. In his role, John provides strategic guidance and oversight, helping shape the agency's vision and ensuring its continued growth and success in the dynamic marketing industry.
With his deep expertise in governance and leadership, John plays a crucial part in driving MG Empower's mission to connect brands with influential voices and create impactful marketing campaigns. His commitment to fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment has been instrumental in positioning MG Empower as a leader in influencer marketing.
David M. Barker, CEO of StatSocial
David M. Barker is the Chief Executive Officer at StatSocial, a leading social data and analytics company. As CEO, David spearheads the company's efforts in providing brands and marketers with in-depth insights into social audiences, helping them make data-driven decisions and optimize their marketing strategies.
David's leadership is marked by a commitment to leveraging data and technology to transform how companies understand and engage with their target markets. His strategic vision has been key in driving StatSocial's growth, positioning it as an essential partner for brands looking to gain a competitive edge through social analytics and audience intelligence.
John Shea, CEO of Octagon Sports & Entertainment Network
John Shea is the Chief Executive Officer at Octagon Sports & Entertainment Network, a leading agency in sports, entertainment, and lifestyle marketing. As CEO, John drives the strategic direction of the company, overseeing its diverse range of services, including talent representation, event management, and brand partnerships.
John's leadership is characterized by his innovative approach to marketing within the sports and entertainment sectors. He is dedicated to building impactful brand relationships and creating opportunities that connect clients with their audiences. His expertise has been crucial in positioning Octagon as a trusted partner for brands and talent seeking to navigate the dynamic world of sports and entertainment marketing.
Paul Houlding, Founder and CEO of isobel
Paul Houlding is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of isobel, an independent creative agency known for its innovative advertising and brand strategies. As CEO, Paul leads the agency in delivering unique and engaging campaigns that resonate with audiences and build brand loyalty.
With a strong focus on creativity and a deep understanding of brand storytelling, Paul has shaped isobel into a go-to agency for brands looking to make a lasting impact. His leadership emphasizes originality, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach, driving isobel's reputation as a trailblazer in the advertising industry.
Maria Sipka, Co-Founder and EVP of Linqia
Maria Sipka is the Co-Founder and EVP at Linqia, a leading influencer marketing platform that connects brands with creators to drive authentic and measurable campaigns. In her role, Maria focuses on advancing Linqia’s mission to deliver impactful influencer marketing solutions that resonate with audiences and deliver tangible results.
Her expertise in digital marketing and storytelling has been instrumental in shaping Linqia's strategic vision. Maria’s dedication to innovation and building meaningful relationships between brands and creators has positioned Linqia as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to leverage influencer marketing effectively.
Adam Katz, CEO of Sightly
Adam Katz is the CEO of Sightly, a leading marketing technology company specializing in video advertising and brand safety solutions. As CEO, Adam oversees the company’s strategic direction, focusing on delivering innovative, data-driven advertising solutions that empower brands to connect with their audiences more effectively.
With a background in marketing and technology, Adam brings a forward-thinking approach to Sightly's operations, emphasizing precision and adaptability in advertising campaigns. His leadership has been key in positioning Sightly as a trusted partner for brands looking to optimize their video marketing efforts and ensure brand safety in a dynamic digital environment.
Amber Whiteman, President at Metia
Amber Whiteman is the President at Metia, a global digital marketing agency known for creating data-driven marketing solutions. In her role, Amber leads the company's strategic vision, driving the delivery of impactful campaigns and digital experiences for clients across various industries.
Her expertise in marketing strategy and client engagement has been pivotal in Metia's success. Amber’s leadership focuses on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of digital marketing trends and continues to provide clients with tailored, results-oriented strategies.
James Street, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whalar
James Street is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whalar, a global influencer marketing company that connects brands with creators to generate authentic, high-impact content. As Co-CEO, James focuses on fostering innovation and driving the company’s vision of transforming how brands engage with audiences through the power of creativity and technology.
With a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape, James' leadership at Whalar is characterized by a commitment to fostering meaningful relationships between brands and creators. His strategic insights have helped position Whalar as a key player in the influencer marketing space, empowering brands to harness the full potential of creator-driven content.
Neil Waller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whalar
Neil Waller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Whalar, plays a key role in leading the company’s mission to revolutionize the influencer marketing industry by connecting brands with top creative talent. As Co-CEO, Neil focuses on scaling the business and expanding Whalar's global reach, while ensuring the company remains at the forefront of creative innovation.
His vision centers on fostering a platform where creators can thrive and brands can build authentic, lasting relationships with their audiences. With a strong background in entrepreneurship and digital marketing, Neil has been instrumental in Whalar’s rapid growth and its rise as a trusted partner for brands seeking to navigate the complexities of modern marketing.
Mostafa ElBermawy, CEO of NoGood
Mostafa ElBermawy is the CEO at NoGood, a growth marketing agency known for its data-driven approach to scaling businesses. As CEO, Mostafa leads a team of marketing experts in delivering innovative growth strategies for clients ranging from startups to established brands.
In addition to his role at NoGood, he is a growth advisor and investor, offering his expertise to help companies navigate complex marketing challenges and achieve sustainable growth. Mostafa’s leadership is defined by his focus on experimentation, data analytics, and a results-oriented mindset, which has positioned NoGood as a go-to agency for brands seeking to accelerate their growth.
Bryn Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of PartnerStack
Bryn Jones is the Co-Founder and CEO of PartnerStack, a leading partner management platform designed to help businesses scale their channel programs. Since its inception in 2015 as part of Y Combinator, PartnerStack has grown under Bryn's leadership, offering innovative solutions for managing partnerships, affiliates, and reseller programs.
Bryn's approach to building PartnerStack focuses on creating a user-friendly platform that drives revenue growth for businesses of all sizes. His vision and dedication to fostering strong partner ecosystems have positioned PartnerStack as a key player in the partner management space, helping companies unlock new revenue streams through effective partnership strategies.
Adam Sharp, CEO and Co-founder of Clevertouch Consulting
Adam Sharp is the CEO and Co-founder of Clevertouch Consulting, a leading marketing technology consultancy specializing in martech strategy and implementation. In his role, Adam guides the company’s vision, helping businesses harness the power of marketing technology to drive meaningful customer engagement and achieve their marketing goals.
With a strong background in martech and digital strategy, Adam’s leadership focuses on delivering innovative solutions tailored to each client's needs. His emphasis on strategic thinking and expertise in the ever-evolving marketing technology landscape has established Clevertouch Consulting as a trusted partner for brands looking to optimize their marketing efforts and navigate the complexities of the digital world.
Alex Wijaya, COO of Samara Group
Alex Wijaya is the Chief Operating Officer at Samara Group, where he oversees the operational strategy and execution for the company’s diverse portfolio of businesses. With a focus on driving efficiency and growth, Alex plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organization, while also leading initiatives that foster innovation and long-term success.
Known for his strategic mindset and leadership skills, Alex has been instrumental in shaping the group’s operational processes, helping Samara Group maintain its competitive edge. His deep expertise in operational management has enabled the company to deliver exceptional results, making him a key figure in the company's leadership team.
Sean Naegeli, Co-Founder of Bettle Fantasy Sports
Sean Naegeli is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation & Research Officer of Bettle Fantasy Sports and ifknown for his forward-thinking approach to innovation in the marketing and research sectors. In his role, Sean focuses on exploring new technologies and strategies to drive growth and enhance the company’s offerings.
His expertise lies in identifying market trends and translating them into actionable insights, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of industry developments. Sean's dedication to research and innovation plays a crucial role in shaping the company's vision and delivering cutting-edge solutions to clients.
Dr. Anke Mueller, COO of Pulse Advertising
Dr. Anke Mueller is the Chief Operating Officer at Pulse Advertising, where she oversees the company’s operational strategy and execution. With extensive experience in digital business models and scale-ups, including roles at Mytheresa and Coty, Dr. Mueller brings a wealth of knowledge in driving growth and operational excellence.
Her role at Pulse Advertising involves streamlining processes, fostering innovation, and ensuring the successful delivery of influencer marketing campaigns for global brands. Dr. Mueller’s expertise in digital strategy and operational management is key to the company’s ongoing success in the dynamic world of digital advertising.
Tiziano Tassi, CEO of Caffeina and Dynamo
Tiziano Tassi is the CEO of both Caffeina and Dynamo, as well as a Professor at Unicatt. In his roles, Tiziano brings a multifaceted approach to leadership, combining his expertise in digital marketing, creative strategy, and business management.
At Caffeina, he leads a team dedicated to delivering innovative digital marketing solutions, while at Dynamo, he focuses on driving growth and strategic direction. His work as a professor at Unicatt reflects his commitment to education and sharing his industry insights with the next generation of marketing professionals. Tiziano's diverse experience and passion for digital innovation make him a prominent figure in the marketing and academic fields.