Influencer marketing has become one of the most effective ways for brands to connect with consumers on a personal level, especially when it comes to creating authentic, relatable content. In recent years, micro and nano influencer marketing has proven to be particularly powerful, offering brands the chance to engage with highly targeted, loyal audiences. One campaign that exemplifies this approach is TERRITORY Influence’s collaboration with Milli in April 2024.
The campaign’s goal was to raise awareness for Milli’s new limited-edition dessert flavors by leveraging authentic recommendations from 500 carefully selected Nano and Micro-Influencers. These influencers, who had a natural passion for desserts, shared 1,221 pieces of content across social platforms, generating 690K online impressions and 90K offline interactions through personal recommendations. With a 98% recommendation rate and a product impression score of 6.6/7, the campaign highlighted the immense potential of influencer marketing to create genuine buzz both online and in real life.
This campaign is a perfect example of how influencer marketing can go beyond just visibility—it fosters trust, drives engagement, and sparks real-world conversations. It’s clear that this approach is redefining how brands reach consumers, and now, let’s dive into the top CEOs behind Munich’s influencer marketing agencies who are leading this change.
Top 8 CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Munich
They don’t just run agencies—they run the show. The CEOs of Munich’s top influencer marketing firms aren’t merely adapting to the digital age; they’re defining it. From luxury brand partnerships to viral social media activations, these industry leaders are leveraging creativity, data, and technology to transform how brands connect with audiences.
Here’s a look at the visionaries behind Munich’s most powerful influencer marketing agencies.
1. Olivier Billon
If there’s one name synonymous with luxury influencer marketing, it’s Olivier Billon. As the founder and CEO of YKONE, Billon has transformed a Paris-based startup into a global powerhouse, redefining how luxury, fashion, and beauty brands connect with their audiences.
Before launching YKONE in 2008, Billon honed his expertise at L’Oréal as a Digital Marketing Manager in the Luxury Division. But he saw where the industry was heading—storytelling through influencers was the future. He took that insight and built an agency that now operates in 16 major cities, including Munich, where YKONE established itself in 2012 through the acquisition of COVER Communications.
Under Billon’s leadership, YKONE has blended high-end content production with data-driven influencer marketing, making it the go-to agency for brands looking to dominate social media. His ability to merge creativity with technology has not only earned YKONE multiple awards but also positioned it as a trusted partner for global luxury giants.
Beyond running an international agency, Billon has shared his knowledge as a lecturer at Sciences Po Paris and a speaker at industry events worldwide. His vision, innovation, and ability to anticipate trends have made him one of the most influential figures in the influencer marketing space.
With YKONE doubling its revenue year after year, it’s clear that Billon isn’t just riding the wave of influencer marketing—he’s helping shape its future.
2. Ed Ringwood
Ed Ringwood launched Two Palms Media in 2019 and quickly gained international traction, landing a spot among the Top 100 Fastest Growing Start-Ups in Australia in 2022. With offices in Munich, Sydney, London, and Dubai, the agency has expanded its creative footprint, working with powerhouse brands like GoPro, Amazon Prime Video, Dr. Martens, and Kellogg’s.
Ringwood’s Munich office, located in the heart of the city, specializes in crafting high-impact digital campaigns, producing scroll-stopping content, and connecting brands with top-tier talent. His approach? A mix of strategic storytelling and fast-paced execution, ensuring brands stay ahead in an industry that never slows down.
With a background spanning social media strategy, talent management, and content production, Ringwood is a creative powerhouse who knows how to make brands matter online. Ringwood himself describes his work ethic as that of a “springer spaniel in human form”—relentless, energetic, and always on the move. And judging by Two Palms’ rapid success, that boundless enthusiasm is paying off. Whether it’s a viral campaign or a brand-defining moment, if Two Palms Media is behind it, you know it’s going to make waves.
3. Gloria Haagmans
As the Founder and CEO of Glowstaff Agency, Gloria Haagmans has built a reputation for delivering talent that makes an impact. Since launching in 2017, Glowstaff has become one of Germany’s leading agencies, specializing in models, influencers, hostesses, and promoters for top-tier brands.
What sets Glowstaff apart is the agency’s commitment to professionalism and seamless execution. Whether it’s staffing major events, casting for global campaigns, or curating influencer collaborations, the agency’s ability to deliver results is what keeps clients like L’Oréal and Monster Energy coming back.
Operating out of Munich, Glowstaff has cemented its position as a go-to talent agency. With a keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of the digital marketing space, Gloria has successfully positioned her team at the crossroads of fashion, entertainment, and brand storytelling.
On top of her work with Glowstaff, Gloria co-founded Persowerk Deutschland, a company specializing in recruitment and staffing. This dual experience highlights her knack for scaling businesses and finding opportunities in untapped markets.
When she’s not leading Glowstaff, Gloria stays connected with her audience through Instagram (@gloriahaa), offering a peek into the dynamic world of brand activations, campaigns, and influencer partnerships. With her at the helm, Glowstaff’s reputation for creating unforgettable brand experiences only continues to grow.
4. Markus Demir
Markus Demir is mostly known for his no-nonsense approach to business. What do we mean by this? In his words, The Hostess thrives on solving problems that others might deem impossible., In his role as CEO, Markus shows his firsthand expertise in event staffing and connecting brands with social media personalities who can amplify their message.
From trade fairs to large-scale campaigns, Markus and his team offer a unique brand of influencer marketing, providing clients with a comprehensive approach to brand engagement.
Markus brings a wealth of experience, having previously led teams at Aldi and Primark, where he honed his results-driven mindset. His leadership has helped The Hostess build a reputation for reliability and innovative execution, working with some of the biggest brands in the industry.
With a focus on influencer partnerships, The Hostess has expanded its reach, collaborating with influencers across all tiers—from macro to micro—across various sectors like fashion, lifestyle, and fitness. Under Markus’s direction, the agency is constantly pushing the boundaries of event staffing and influencer marketing.
5. Rafael Schwarz
Rafael Schwarz has been a driving force behind TERRITORY Influence, one of Europe’s premier influencer marketing agencies. Rafael blends strategy, data, and creativity to execute campaigns that generate measurable results for top-tier brands.
With over 20 years of experience in business strategy and marketing, Rafael is a well-respected industry leader who knows how to leverage the full spectrum of influencer marketing. His agency has successfully partnered with over 500 global brands, including L’Oréal, P&G, and Nestlé, providing both one-off campaigns and long-term strategic influencer programs.
TERRITORY Influence’s success is due in no small part to Rafael’s focus on data and ROI. By combining traditional campaign management with cutting-edge tools like media retargeting and SaaS solutions, he ensures that every campaign drives real consumer engagement and brand growth.
At the heart of his approach is a results-driven mindset, ensuring that every influencer partnership not only generates buzz but delivers a return on investment. From social commerce strategies to live shopping events, Rafael is always on the cutting edge of digital influence, continuously shaping the future of influencer marketing.
6. Laetitia Marie Ecklé
With a background in journalism and media, Laetitia Marie Ecklé understands the power of storytelling better than most. Her passion for content has led her to the helm of The Influencer, where she has created one of Germany’s leading influencer marketing agencies—helping brands craft authentic, engaging campaigns that resonate across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
Ecklé’s expertise isn’t just theoretical. Before launching The Influencer, she built her career in publishing and television, working as an editor for DuMont, RTL Studios, and Endemol Shine Germany. This foundation in media strategy and audience engagement now fuels her ability to connect brands with the right influencers, ensuring campaigns deliver both creativity and measurable impact.
Headquartered in Munich, The Influencer offers everything from strategy development and influencer selection to campaign execution and performance analysis. The agency boasts a diverse influencer network, ranging from macro and micro-influencers to niche content creators in categories like fashion, beauty, travel, and fitness.
Ecklé’s impact extends beyond running an agency—she’s also a speaker, thought leader, and podcast host. In her podcast, We Are The Influencer, she offers an inside look at the fast-paced world of influencer marketing, sharing insights from founders, creators, and industry leaders.
With major brands like Volkswagen, NUK, and KISS trusting her agency, Ecklé is proving that authentic content, strategic partnerships, and data-driven decision-making are the keys to influencer marketing success. And with her journalistic roots and deep industry knowledge, she’s not just following trends—she’s helping define them.
7. Moritz Zachris
With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Moritz Zachris, Director of Loyamo, is a name to know in Munich’s influencer marketing scene. Since founding the agency back in 2017, Zachris has helped brands navigate the ever-changing digital space, developing tailored strategies that maximize reach, engagement, and conversions.
But Loyamo isn’t just another influencer marketing agency—it’s a data-driven powerhouse that specializes in strategic planning, influencer selection, campaign execution, and performance analysis. Under Zachris’s leadership, the agency focuses on cross-channel digital solutions, ensuring influencer collaborations are not just creative but also measurable and results-oriented.
Before launching Loyamo, Zachris sharpened his expertise as a Senior Consultant and Online Marketing Manager, specializing in SEO, conversion rate optimization, and digital strategy. His analytical mindset sets him apart, allowing him to bridge the gap between influencer creativity and business performance.
What makes Loyamo stand out? A meticulous, full-service approach, going above and beyond the basics and offering everything from influencer research and contract negotiations to performance reporting and ongoing optimization. With this level of expertise, Zachris ensures every campaign is backed by data and fine-tuned to drive brand awareness, engagement, and sales.
8. Melke Cetin
Few CEOs in the influencer marketing space have a portfolio as diverse as Melke Cetin. A serial entrepreneur, he leads multiple ventures, including iPunkto, WeAreTheInfluencer, Babywerke.de, and WeAreTheHostess. His ability to juggle multiple businesses speaks to his deep understanding of digital marketing, branding, and audience engagement.
During his professional career, he has built Model Agency Munich into a full-service modeling and influencer agency that connects brands with highly targeted talent, from fashion and fitness models to social media influencers.
But Cetin’s expertise doesn’t stop there. At Model Agency Munich, Cetin has developed a strategic influencer marketing division that pairs brands with the right social media voices across Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Whether it’s beauty, sports, fashion, or technology, his team ensures authentic engagement and high-impact campaigns.
Beyond simply connecting brands with influencers, Cetin’s agency offers comprehensive campaign management, ensuring every collaboration aligns with brand goals, audience expectations, and industry trends. His focus on authentic partnerships helps brands enhance credibility, visibility, and consumer trust in an era where audiences crave genuine connections over scripted ads.
With a heavy use of data, a strong network of talent, and a track record of successful brand partnerships, Cetin is redefining what it means to run a modern influencer and modeling agency.
Munich’s CEOs Redefining Influencer Marketing—What’s Next?
Munich’s influencer marketing scene isn’t just thriving—it’s setting new standards. The CEOs behind these powerhouse firms are reshaping how brands engage audiences, blending storytelling with technology to create campaigns that leave a lasting impact. From luxury brand activations to data-driven content strategies, these leaders are proving that innovation is the key to influence.
As the digital world evolves, one thing is clear: the future of influencer marketing belongs to those who dare to think beyond the post, transforming social engagement into unforgettable brand experiences. And in Munich, these CEOs and their visionary service firms are leading the charge.
About the Author
Writer
As a UX/UI Designer, Djordje Pajkanovic approaches every project with a focus on practical, user-friendly designs. His strength lies in her ability to understand and translate user needs into digital solutions that are not only efficient but also aesthetically pleasing. Djordje is a firm believer in the power of collaboration, often working closely with his team to innovate and push the boundaries of traditional design. His approach is a unique blend of technical prowess and creative vision, making him an indispensable part of Influencer Marketing Hub.
