The Voice of Influence 2024: Part I

In 2024, influencer marketing remains a cornerstone of brand success, but mastering its complexities requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands a deep understanding of the industry's nuances. As this field continues to evolve, it's essential to learn from those who have truly mastered the craft, blending creativity with data-driven strategies to foster genuine connections between brands and audiences.

The influencer marketing industry can often seem confusing, with new trends emerging and consumer behaviors constantly shifting. That’s why it's crucial to turn to those who have not only adapted to these changes but are also setting the standard. These leaders are more than just influential figures; they are the visionaries who understand the fine details that drive impactful campaigns and build trust with audiences.

At Phyllo, we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of this ever-changing industry. To provide clarity and insight, we've curated the Voice of Influence 2024—a definitive guide to the top 25 leaders in influencer marketing. These individuals are the trailblazers who are shaping the future of the industry, offering invaluable guidance for anyone looking to thrive in this space.

Join us as we honor these leaders who are redefining what it means to be influential in the world of marketing. The Voice of Influence 2024 is your essential resource for learning from the best, ensuring you stay ahead in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

P.J. Leimgruber, Co-Founder of NeoReach

P.J. Leimgruber is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and digital marketing expert known for his contributions to the influencer marketing industry. He co-founded NeoReach, a leading influencer marketing platform, and has been instrumental in shaping the way brands connect with influencers. Leimgruber's expertise spans across digital marketing, influencer strategies, and startup growth, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant.

He has also been involved in the development of the Clash App, a short-form video platform that integrates creator monetization tools, aiming to address issues within the traditional brand-deal system. His work focuses on fostering authentic interactions between creators and their audiences, with an emphasis on sustainable and genuine brand relationships.

Clint Runge, Co-Founder and CEO of Archrival

Clint Runge is the Co-Founder and CEO of Archrival, a youth culture agency that redefines how brands engage with young adults. With a creative and unconventional approach, Clint has led Archrival to collaborate with major brands like Red Bull, Adidas, and Spotify, focusing on building brand loyalty and love among teens and young adults.

Clint's passion for creativity and innovation has not only earned his agency recognition, such as being named an Ad Age Agency of the Year, but has also made him a sought-after figure in the creative industry. In addition to his role at Archrival, Clint has shared his expertise as a lecturer in creative strategy at the University of Nebraska for 15 years, contributing significantly to the education of future creatives.

Pranay Swarup, Founder of SuperStuff

Pranay Swarup is the founder of SuperStuff and has a strong track record in entrepreneurship. Before founding SuperStuff in 2023, he co-founded LetsIntern, a leading internship platform in India, which was acquired in 2016. 

He then founded Chtrbox, an influencer marketing agency that quickly became a leader in the space, known for its data-driven approach. Under his leadership, Chtrbox expanded into multiple marketing verticals and was eventually acquired by QYOU Media Inc. Pranay's ventures have consistently focused on leveraging technology and data to drive innovation in marketing.

Ben Kaplan, CEO of TOP Agency, Founder of WE San Francisco

Ben Kaplan is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and founder with a broad range of experiences across different industries. He currently leads TOP Agency, a global network of marketing agencies known for its innovative, data-driven approach. Kaplan's journey began at Harvard University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Economics. His career took off with roles in public policy, including work with U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield and research positions at prestigious institutions like the National Bureau of Economic Research.

In 2013, Kaplan founded PR Hacker, a company that revolutionized public relations by emphasizing data and analytics. Later, he expanded his influence by founding National Today in 2017, a platform that helps consumers celebrate holidays through various media channels. Under his leadership, TOP Agency has grown into a significant player in the marketing world, operating in over 20 countries and encompassing multiple specialized agencies.

James Hacking, Founder of Socially Powerful

James Hacking is the Founder and Chief Playmaker of Socially Powerful, a global social marketing agency that specializes in influencer marketing, paid social, and strategy. Under his leadership, Socially Powerful has grown into a prominent player in the social media marketing space, with offices across London, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The agency has expanded its services beyond influencer marketing to include a comprehensive range of social-first marketing strategies, and they work with some of the biggest global brands such as Huawei, ByteDance, and L'Oréal.

James is known for his innovative approach to social media marketing and his ability to push the boundaries of the industry. The agency prides itself on staying ahead of trends, particularly in leveraging technology and AI to enhance their marketing solutions. Socially Powerful's success and rapid growth can be attributed to James's visionary leadership and his deep understanding of the evolving digital industry.

Martin Wroblewski, Managing Director of Social Match

Martin Wroblewski is the Managing Director at Social Match, a prominent social media agency known for its innovative approach to influencer marketing and social media strategies. He has a deep passion for creating and fostering a social-centric environment, both within his team and in the campaigns he leads. 

Martin is recognized for his commitment to creativity and authenticity, which has helped Social Match become a trusted partner for brands aiming to connect meaningfully with their audiences on social platforms.

Joel Beckett, Founder of The Outloud Group

Joel Beckett is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Outloud Group, a prominent agency focused on authentically growing brands through innovative and strategic influencer marketing. Under his leadership, The Outloud Group has become a trusted partner for brands seeking to connect with their audiences in genuine, impactful ways. Joel’s expertise in brand development and storytelling has helped guide the agency to success, working with a diverse range of clients across various industries.

Joel is known for his deep commitment to fostering authentic relationships between brands and influencers, ensuring that the content created resonates with audiences in an organic manner. His hands-on approach and creative vision have solidified The Outloud Group's reputation as a leader in influencer marketing, consistently delivering successful campaigns that drive engagement and growth.

Donatas Smailys, CEO of Billo

Donatas Smailys is the Co-founder and CEO of Billo, the leading platform for short social video ads. Under his leadership, Billo has positioned itself as the go-to solution for brands looking to create engaging, high-quality video content at scale. With a focus on user-generated content, Donatas has spearheaded the platform's growth, helping brands connect with their audiences through authentic and relatable video ads.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking approach, Donatas has built Billo into a trusted partner for brands aiming to enhance their digital marketing efforts. His deep understanding of the power of social video ads and his passion for innovation have driven Billo's success, making it a prominent player in the rapidly evolving world of social media marketing.

Emily Ward, Co-Founder of The Thread

Emily Ward is the Co-Founder of The Thread, Shine Talent Group, and Love X Money Ventures (formerly Shine Ventures). She has built a reputation as a dynamic leader in the talent management and influencer marketing space, driving the growth of multiple successful ventures. Through her work at Shine Talent Group, Emily has helped connect influencers and creators with top-tier brands, fostering authentic collaborations that deliver meaningful results.

Emily’s entrepreneurial vision extends beyond influencer marketing with her involvement in The Thread and Love X Money Ventures, where she supports creative projects and innovative startups. Her dedication to empowering talent and nurturing creativity has positioned her at the forefront of the industry, making her a respected figure known for her passion and commitment to authentic, impactful partnerships.

Marcus Klamming, CEO of We Are Era Nordics

Marcus Klamming is the Chief Executive Officer at We Are Era Nordics, a leading agency in the digital media and entertainment space. Under his leadership, We Are Era Nordics has established itself as a major player in the influencer marketing and content creation industries across the Nordic region. Marcus is known for his strategic vision and ability to drive growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

With a deep understanding of media trends and the power of social platforms, Marcus has helped brands connect with their audiences in innovative and authentic ways. His leadership has played a key role in shaping the agency’s success, making We Are Era Nordics a trusted partner for brands seeking to thrive in the digital era.

Jessica Thorpe, CEO of gen.video

Jessica Thorpe is the CEO of gen.video, an influencer agency that seamlessly bridges the gap between creative content and commerce. Through her leadership, gen.video has become a pioneer in leveraging influencer marketing to drive direct consumer engagement and sales. Jessica's deep expertise in both the creative and e-commerce sides of the industry has enabled gen.video to stand out as a trusted partner for brands looking to connect with audiences through compelling, shoppable content.

Her innovative approach focuses on harnessing the power of influencers to create authentic, impactful campaigns that not only engage audiences but also drive measurable business results. Jessica is recognized for her forward-thinking strategies, making her a key player in the evolving influencer-driven commerce industry. 

Anthony Pedalino, Vice President of Giant Spoon

Anthony Pedalino serves as the Vice President and Head of Video Investment at Giant Spoon, where he plays a crucial role in shaping and executing high-impact video strategies for brands. With a deep understanding of the ever-evolving media landscape, Anthony oversees video investment initiatives, ensuring that brands make the most of their digital and traditional video content to drive engagement and ROI.

Known for his expertise in media buying and strategic investments, Anthony leads his team in optimizing video placements across multiple platforms, ensuring that clients reach their target audiences effectively. His innovative approach to video investment allows brands to stay ahead of trends, particularly as video content becomes a dominant force in advertising and marketing. Anthony’s leadership has been instrumental in delivering successful campaigns that maximize both visibility and return on investment.

Anthony Svirskis, CEO of TRIBE

Anthony Svirskis is the CEO of TRIBE, a leading influencer marketing platform that connects brands with everyday creators to produce authentic, high-quality content. Under his leadership, TRIBE has revolutionized the way brands and influencers collaborate, focusing on empowering micro-influencers to create content that resonates with their audiences while driving brand engagement.

Anthony is known for his forward-thinking approach to influencer marketing, leveraging technology and data to streamline the content creation process. His vision for TRIBE emphasizes authenticity and scalability, allowing brands to tap into a diverse range of creators for impactful, user-generated content. Anthony’s leadership has positioned TRIBE as a key player in the influencer marketing space, enabling brands to foster meaningful connections with consumers through content that feels both genuine and effective.

Growson Edwards, President of VideoFusion

Growson Edwards is an AI innovator, serial entrepreneur, and growth strategist who currently serves as the President and COO of VideoFusion, a platform that leverages cutting-edge AI technology to revolutionize video content creation and distribution. With a career built on driving growth through innovation, Growson is known for his expertise in integrating AI solutions to enhance digital marketing and video production processes.

His leadership at VideoFusion focuses on utilizing AI to streamline content creation, making high-quality video more accessible and scalable for brands and creators alike. Growson's entrepreneurial spirit and deep knowledge of growth strategies have played a pivotal role in the company's success, positioning VideoFusion as a leader in the AI-driven video space. His passion for innovation and growth has earned him recognition as a forward-thinking leader in both AI and digital media industries.

Jack Shepherd, Co-Founder of The Social Shepherd

Jack Shepherd is the Co-Founder and Managing Director at The Social Shepherd, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in paid social, content creation, and influencer marketing. Under his leadership, The Social Shepherd has become a trusted partner for brands seeking to grow their presence and engagement across social platforms through highly effective and creative campaigns.

Jack’s expertise lies in crafting data-driven strategies that deliver measurable results for clients. His hands-on approach and commitment to innovation have helped the agency stand out, providing tailored solutions that align with each brand’s unique goals. Jack’s passion for social media and brand growth has been central to The Social Shepherd’s rapid expansion and success, making him a respected figure in the digital marketing industry.

Christine Electra Williamson, Director of Creator Service at Ubiquitous Influence

Christine Electra Williamson is the Director of Creator Services and Campaign Management at Ubiquitous Influence, where she oversees influencer campaigns and fosters relationships between creators and brands. With her extensive background in digital marketing, Christine plays a key role in ensuring that campaigns run smoothly and deliver impactful results. Her expertise in managing creator collaborations has made her a trusted leader in the influencer marketing space.

Before her role at Ubiquitous Influence, Christine served as the Chief Marketing Officer of The Blue Collection, where she helped shape brand strategy and growth initiatives. Her experience in both campaign management and strategic leadership gives her a unique perspective on how to drive successful, authentic partnerships between brands and creators. Christine’s passion for empowering creators and delivering high-performance campaigns has made her a valuable asset in the industry.

Mae Karwowski, CEO of Obviously

Mae Karwowski is the Founder and CEO of Obviously, a leading influencer marketing agency that connects brands with top-tier influencers to create authentic and impactful campaigns. Under Mae's leadership, Obviously has grown into one of the most respected names in the industry, offering comprehensive influencer marketing services that span strategy, campaign management, and data analytics.

Mae is known for her innovative approach to influencer marketing, leveraging technology and data to create scalable solutions for brands. Her deep understanding of the power of social media and her commitment to building meaningful relationships between brands and creators have been instrumental in Obviously's success. Mae’s vision has helped numerous global brands navigate the dynamic world of influencer marketing, making her a recognized leader in the industry.

Krishna Subramanian, Co-Founder of Captiv8

Krishna Subramanian is a Founder, marketer, investor, and board member, currently leading Captiv8, a leading platform for influencer marketing and content creation. With his deep expertise in the digital marketing space, Krishna has been instrumental in driving Captiv8's growth, offering brands a comprehensive solution for discovering, managing, and measuring influencer campaigns.

As an experienced entrepreneur and investor, Krishna has a strong background in technology and marketing, with a focus on innovative solutions that bridge the gap between brands and consumers. He has been a key figure in shaping the influencer marketing industry, providing brands with the tools and insights needed to maximize their impact. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, Krishna combines strategic vision with a passion for technology and marketing, making him a respected leader in the field.

Adam Clyne, CEO of Coolr

Adam Clyne is the driving force behind Coolr, a social-first digital agency that has rapidly become a key player in the marketing world. As Founder and CEO, Adam has led the company to work with some of the biggest global brands, delivering innovative and highly engaging social media campaigns.

With a keen focus on creativity supported by data insights, Adam's leadership has helped Coolr stand out in the crowded digital space. His vision goes beyond just creating content — it’s about fostering real connections between brands and audiences. Known for his forward-thinking strategies, Adam continues to push the envelope in social media marketing, making him a respected voice and innovator in the industry.

Ryan Stern, CEO of Collectively

Ryan Stern is the CEO and Co-Founder of Collectively, an influencer marketing agency known for its innovative approach to creating meaningful collaborations between brands and creators. Under Ryan's leadership, Collectively has become a trusted partner for top-tier brands, offering strategies that prioritize authenticity and impact.

With a focus on fostering genuine connections between brands and influencers, Ryan has built a company that stands out for its creativity and data-driven results. Her expertise in the influencer marketing space, combined with a deep understanding of the evolving digital industry, has positioned Collectively as a leader in the industry. Ryan’s vision continues to shape the future of influencer marketing, making her a key figure in the field.

Donna Robinson, CEO of TopRank Marketing

Donna Robinson is a C-Suite executive with a strong reputation for driving growth through data-driven marketing strategies. Her extensive experience in leadership has made her a proven growth driver, with a focus on fostering a positive and collaborative culture within teams.

Donna’s expertise in combining data with innovative marketing approaches has enabled her to deliver impactful results across various industries. Known for her ability to build and lead high-performing teams, she is recognized not only for her strategic mindset but also for her emphasis on creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. Donna’s leadership continues to shape successful marketing initiatives and company growth.

Wanja Sören Oberhof, CEO of Social Chain

Wanja Sören Oberhof is the Co-Founder and CEO of Social Chain, as well as the Founder and CEO of WAOW Group. At Social Chain, Wanja has been instrumental in building a powerhouse in social media-driven brand growth, leveraging digital communities to drive engagement and influence consumer behavior. His leadership has helped Social Chain become a key player in the digital marketing world, connecting brands with their audiences in innovative ways.

As the Founder and CEO of WAOW Group, Wanja leads a global investment firm that focuses on high-growth ventures across various industries. His keen eye for innovation and long-term growth opportunities has made WAOW Group a trusted name in venture investment. Through both Social Chain and WAOW Group, Wanja continues to shape the future of digital marketing and entrepreneurial investments.

Roger Patterson, Co-founder and Director of Launch Academy

Co-founder and Director of Launch Academy, Roger Patterson, is an accomplished entrepreneur who also founded Later, a leading social media marketing platform. His transition from corporate roles to the startup world was driven by his desire to make a more significant impact through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Under Patterson's leadership, Later has grown into a widely used tool, particularly among small businesses. His commitment to fostering an equitable and transparent company culture has been a key factor in the platform's success, helping millions of users effectively manage their social media presence.

Ted Murphy, CEO of IZEA

Ted Murphy is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of IZEA, a pioneer in the influencer marketing and content creation space. Under Ted’s leadership, IZEA has grown into a leading platform that connects brands with influencers to create authentic, engaging content. With a vision to democratize influencer marketing, Ted has been at the forefront of the industry’s evolution, driving innovation and shaping how brands interact with their audiences through content.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ted’s impact extends beyond IZEA, with a track record of building successful ventures that push the boundaries of digital marketing. His forward-thinking approach and commitment to transparency and creativity have positioned IZEA as a trusted leader in influencer marketing, making Ted a key figure in the broader marketing industry.

Dzmitry Khudy, CEO of Zorka.Agency

Dzmitry Khudy is the CEO of Zorka.Agency, a digital marketing agency that specializes in performance marketing, influencer campaigns, and mobile app promotion. Under Dzmitry’s leadership, Zorka.Agency has become a recognized player in the global marketing space, working with top-tier brands to drive measurable results through creative and data-driven campaigns.

Dzmitry is known for his strategic vision and ability to combine innovative marketing solutions with a performance-based approach. His expertise in digital advertising has helped Zorka.Agency stand out, particularly in the fast-growing sectors of influencer marketing and mobile growth. Dzmitry's leadership has been instrumental in expanding the agency’s reach and reputation, making him a respected figure in the world of digital marketing.

About Phyllo

In the creator economy, creators are brands.

And these “brands” are built on the creator’s credibility. This is the capital that these “brands” thrive on. The sum total of all of the audience’s interactions with the creator amounts to their credibility.

And to get paid as a creator, you need at least some credibility. This includes data to -

• Verify a creator’s identity
• Access a creator’s proof of work, i.e. engagement
• Access a creator’s audience demographics data
• Verify a creator’s income from multiple sources, among many others

Phyllo is a universal API gateway that provides developers access to creator-consented data across 20+ social platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Twitch, and more.

Phyllo takes care of data normalization, platform partnerships, and app approvals, allowing you to focus on the product you’re building without spending additional bandwidth on infrastructure and maintenance.

Today, Phyllo’s biggest use case is for influencer marketing space, where you can use it to build a robust application that can onboard verified influencers, track content performance, understand fan demographics, and measure campaign ROI seamlessly. Phyllo APIs also power critical use cases in other industries, such as creator tools, financial services, and social identity verification.

Check out https://www.getphyllo.com/ to learn more about us.

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