The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the crisp Boston air as influencers across the city woke up to a single, irresistible challenge: make the world crave Hood’s Baileys Coffee Creamers. In the fall of 2020, an unassuming local campaign turned into a marketing masterclass. Boston’s biggest lifestyle and food creators, armed with nothing but a camera and a bottle of creamer, crafted viral morning rituals that had audiences hooked.
The city’s coffee culture became the backdrop for a strategic influencer blitz—one that took a familiar product and turned it into a must-have luxury.
This wasn’t luck. It was the work of Boston’s top influencer marketing minds, the CEOs and strategists who understand how to shape narratives, spark trends, and make brands unforgettable. In an industry where attention is the currency and influence is the asset, these executives aren’t just running agencies—they’re redefining modern marketing.
Top 8 CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Boston
Behind every viral campaign and brand breakthrough, there’s a visionary at the helm—someone who understands the power of influence and the science of storytelling. In Boston, a city known for its innovation and business acumen, these CEOs of top marketing firms are leading the charge, transforming brands through strategic influencer partnerships, data-driven insights, and cutting-edge digital campaigns.
1. Rousseau Aurelien
Rousseau Aurelien is redefining what it means to build a brand in the digital age. At Brandsonify, he leads an agency that seamlessly integrates AI-driven branding, influencer marketing, and digital strategy, helping businesses cut through the noise with precision and impact.
His ability to merge cutting-edge technology with human creativity sets his approach apart. By leveraging AI, blockchain, and data-driven marketing, Aurelien has positioned Brandsonify as a forward-thinking force in the industry. Collaborations with Neutrogena, Visine, and Johnson & Johnson/Kenvue brands showcase his talent for crafting influencer campaigns that don’t just engage audiences but drive results.
Beyond marketing, his entrepreneurial portfolio includes ventures like Gazelle.com, FoundersWay, and AiNDREA, proving his expertise in scaling businesses and pushing industries forward. His strategic leadership as Chief Strategy Officer at LogixHealth further underscores his ability to leverage digital transformation for business growth.
Aurelien’s passion for innovation extends beyond profit. He is actively exploring AI, blockchain, and Web3 applications to create meaningful change. In a field where adaptability is key, he isn’t just anticipating the next big trend—he’s creating it.
2. Peter Finn
Peter Finn isn’t just leading a marketing firm—he’s shaping a global legacy in PR, digital marketing, and influencer strategy. At FINN Partners, he has expanded the agency from a boutique firm into a worldwide powerhouse, making it one of the fastest-growing independent agencies in the industry.
Under his direction, FINN Partners has skyrocketed to 18 offices, 700+ employees, and multiple Agency of the Year accolades. His strategic approach to influencer marketing—powered by an in-house Influencer Intelligence Team—ensures brands receive data-driven, high-impact campaigns that foster real audience engagement.
The agency’s presence in Boston gained further momentum with the acquisition of Small Army, a creative agency renowned for brand storytelling and digital strategy. This move solidified FINN Partners’ ability to craft authentic, high-performing influencer collaborations across industries like tech, healthcare, education, and the arts.
Beyond marketing, Finn remains deeply involved in the creative world, serving as Co-Founder and Chairman of the Catskill Mountain Foundation. His leadership philosophy blends business acumen with cultural impact, ensuring that FINN Partners isn’t just growing—it’s influencing the future of marketing itself.
3. Nick Riotto
Nick Riotto is in the business of engineering digital success. At 829 Studios, he helped shape an award-winning marketing agency that combines performance-driven influencer campaigns, branding, and digital strategy, setting a new standard for results-oriented marketing.
Since 2007, his agency has evolved into a top-tier integrated firm, working with Hilton Hotels, Stanley Black & Decker, and REI to build data-driven strategies that turn engagement into measurable revenue growth. The agency’s rapid expansion has earned it spots on the Inc. 5000 list, Boston Business Journal’s Fast 50, and Adweek’s 100 Fastest-Growing Digital Agencies—a testament to Riotto’s focus on scalability and innovation.
His leadership isn’t just about numbers. 829 Studios has cultivated a Great Place to Work™-certified culture, attracting top marketing talent while also being recognized as one of Boston’s most dog-friendly workplaces.
Although Riotto transitioned to a board-level role in 2023, his strategic vision continues to shape the agency’s future.
4. Robbin Mangano
Robbin Mangano has built more than just an agency—she’s created a movement in brand storytelling. At Wave Collective, she pioneered an influencer marketing firm that seamlessly integrates PR, social media, and creative strategy, helping brands craft narratives that truly resonate.
Since launching the agency in 2016, she has executed high-impact influencer campaigns for brands like Primark USA, Shake Shack, and B.Good, ensuring that every partnership translates into real audience engagement and business impact. Her approach goes beyond transactional influencer deals—it’s about fostering genuine brand-influencer relationships that drive long-term growth.
In April 2024, Mangano stepped into an advisory role, passing the leadership to Reagan Byrne, Brooke Patterson, and Christina Valle, a team dedicated to upholding the agency’s creative excellence. But stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away—she remains an influential force in the industry, co-managing Kevin Love’s marketing strategy and leading The Golden Cod, her New England-inspired apparel and jewelry brand.
From securing national media coverage to winning the Bell Ringer Merit Awards, Mangano’s strategic approach and creative execution have left an undeniable mark on the influencer marketing space.
5. Benjamin B. Kaplan
Benjamin B. Kaplan, the CEO of TOP Agency, has a blueprint for virality, and it’s reshaping how brands connect with audiences. Through a global network of specialized marketing firms, he has built an operation that turns influencer marketing into a science—one that fuses storytelling, data, and strategic execution for maximum impact.
His approach is fast-moving and deeply analytical, designed to uncover mid-tier creators with untapped potential. While others chase celebrity endorsements, Kaplan’s strategy focuses on engagement and authenticity, ensuring brand messages don’t just reach audiences—they stick. Every campaign follows a rigorous process, from influencer selection to content creation and real-time performance tracking.
Kaplan’s influence stretches far beyond agency walls. A media veteran and marketing innovator, he has been featured on thousands of TV and radio shows, served as a spokesperson for global brands, and contributed to some of the world’s leading publications. His ability to decode cultural trends and apply them to marketing strategies gives his company an unmatched edge in influencer campaigns.
Operating in over 20 countries, his work is proving that smart marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building lasting influence.
6. Chris Lewis
Chris Lewis has spent nearly three decades shaping the future of brand storytelling, transforming TEAM LEWIS into a global marketing powerhouse. What started as an independent agency in 1995 has since grown into a network spanning 26 offices worldwide, including a full-service hub in Boston.
His leadership has positioned TEAM LEWIS at the forefront of influencer marketing, digital strategy, and public relations, blending branding, SEO, and social media to craft campaigns that feel both data-driven and creatively compelling. The agency’s influencer marketing division prioritizes strategic activation, pairing brands with creators who align with their message and amplifying engagement through multi-channel distribution.
Beyond agency life, Lewis is a thought leader and author, known for books like Too Fast to Think and The Leadership Lab, which dissect creativity, leadership, and modern work culture. His impact extends to philanthropy as well—his TEAM LEWIS Foundation has supported over 1,000 global causes, reinforcing his belief in using business as a force for good.
With experience spanning politics, media, and business strategy, Lewis approaches influencer marketing through a uniquely global lens, ensuring brands remain culturally relevant while driving measurable impact.
7. Andrew Cross
As the CEO of Walker Sands, Andrew Cross brings over 14 years of experience to the company, leading it to prominence as a top player in B2B marketing and influencer marketing. His journey at Walker Sands began in 2009 as an entry-level public relations team member, and his career trajectory saw him ascend to various leadership positions, ultimately becoming the CEO in December 2023.
Before taking the reins as CEO, Andrew served as President, where he was instrumental in driving agency growth and overseeing new business strategies. His leadership was pivotal in helping Walker Sands integrate public relations with digital strategy, offering clients a more comprehensive approach to marketing. He also held the position of Executive Vice President, where he worked closely on sales presentations and marketing strategies.
Andrew’s strategic vision extends beyond his role at Walker Sands. He has been a mentor for Techstars and served as a strategic advisor for Retention.com, helping growth-stage marketing technology companies refine their market positioning and communications. His work with major brands like American Express, DISH Network, and Livestrong.com as a freelance writer and public relations consultant further underscores his expertise in communications and marketing.
A thought leader in the industry, Andrew frequently speaks at high-profile events, including the American Marketing Association Connex and CNP Expo. He’s also actively involved with PROI, the world’s largest network of independent PR agencies.
8. Tara Goodwin
Tara Goodwin’s expertise lies in the delicate balance of influence and crisis management, a skill set that has made Goodwin Consulting one of Boston’s most respected PR agencies. Since launching the firm in 2001, she has helped companies, celebrities, and nonprofits refine their narratives, harness influencer marketing, and navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.
Her agency’s approach to influencer partnerships goes beyond engagement metrics, focusing on authenticity, visibility, and impact. Whether amplifying nonprofit fundraising efforts or orchestrating high-profile brand collaborations, Goodwin ensures that every campaign resonates with its intended audience.
In addition to media relations, she is a trusted crisis management strategist. Through the agency’s Crisis Interception division, she works with executives to develop proactive plans and real-time response strategies, helping brands safeguard their reputations in high-stakes moments.
Under her leadership, Goodwin Consulting has secured multiple Stevie Awards for Women in Business and has been ranked among Boston’s Top PR Agencies for five consecutive years. Personally, she has twice been recognized as one of the city’s Top 10 PR specialists, a testament to her influence within the industry.
Operating out of offices in Boston and Walpole, Goodwin Consulting continues to serve clients ranging from healthcare leaders to tech startups, ensuring that every brand it represents tells a story worth hearing.
The Future of Influence: Boston’s CEOs Shaping the Industry
Influencer marketing isn’t just about viral moments—it’s about strategy, execution, and impact. The CEOs behind Boston’s top marketing firms and branding agencies are more than just business leaders; they are architects of influence, driving campaigns that reshape industries. From AI-powered strategies to authentic storytelling, these executives are at the forefront of a constantly evolving digital landscape. As brands continue to seek innovative ways to connect with audiences, the services these firms provide will remain critical in defining the future of marketing. In Boston, influence isn’t just built—it’s engineered for lasting success.
About the Author
Writer
Dan Atkins is a renowned SEO specialist and digital marketing consultant, recognized for boosting small business visibility online. With expertise in AdWords, ecommerce, and social media optimization, he has collaborated with numerous agencies, enhancing B2B lead generation strategies. His hands-on consulting experience empowers him to impart advanced insights and innovative tactics to his readers.
