The countdown was on, and millions of fans around the world were glued to their screens, deciphering cryptic clues and chasing shadows across continents. HBO’s Game of Thrones wasn’t just closing out a television era—it was rewriting the rules of audience engagement. In 2019, the network, alongside New York-based agency Droga5, launched Quest for the Throne, a global scavenger hunt that turned the entire planet into Westeros. With six Iron Thrones hidden in remote locations, die-hard fans combed through social media clues, racing to claim a seat fit for a king (or queen). The result? A viral sensation that blurred the lines between digital storytelling and real-world adventure, proving once again that the best marketing isn’t just seen—it’s lived.
This level of creativity isn’t accidental. It comes from the minds of the industry’s sharpest leaders—CEOs who aren’t just shaping campaigns, but redefining how brands connect with audiences in an era where attention is the most valuable currency. In New York, a city that thrives on innovation, these social media marketing masterminds are crafting narratives that don’t just go viral—they become cultural moments.
This article dives into the minds behind the top social media marketing agencies in New York City, exploring how these leaders drive innovation, harness the power of human connection, and keep their firms at the cutting edge of a relentlessly competitive market.
Top 9 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Companies in New York
In a city that thrives on hustle and innovation, where brands rise and fall in the blink of an eye, a select few CEOs are reshaping the future of digital marketing. These leaders, with their bold strategies and visionary ideas, are setting the benchmark for excellence in social media marketing.
1. Gilad Bechar
Gilad Bechar, founder and CEO of Moburst, is a trailblazer in the mobile marketing world, blending strategic vision with cutting-edge innovation. With over 14 years of industry experience, Gilad has positioned Moburst as a global leader in mobile and social media marketing, helping brands scale their digital presence and dominate their categories.
Gilad’s extensive portfolio includes collaborations with industry giants like Google, Uber, Dropbox, YouTube, and Samsung. His knack for crafting data-driven, tailored campaigns has propelled numerous clients to category leadership while earning Moburst prestigious accolades, such as 18 Telly Awards and the MMA Smarties’ Digital Marketing Agency of the Year title.
Under Gilad’s guidance, Moburst delivers 360-degree growth services, ranging from app store optimization (ASO) and creative production to social media campaigns and media buying. What sets him apart is his relentless focus on solving complex marketing challenges using innovative thinking, advanced technology, and bold strategies. As Gilad says,
“Every marketing challenge can be solved.”
Beyond agency leadership, Gilad is a recognized thought leader. He’s shared his expertise as a mentor at Microsoft Accelerator, led mobile marketing courses at Tel Aviv University, and contributed to top-tier publications like Entrepreneur. His passion for education and innovation solidifies his reputation as an authority in the field.
Moburst’s achievements are a testament to Gilad’s forward-thinking approach. From being featured on the World’s Greatest!... TV show to driving millions of app downloads for top brands, his impact is undeniable.
2. Matt Bowman
Matt Bowman, founder and president of Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, has earned his place as one of the top leaders in the social media marketing industry. Since establishing Thrive in 2005, Matt has guided the company from a small startup in Arlington, Texas, to an Inc. 5000-recognized powerhouse specializing in digital marketing solutions, including social media marketing, SEO, and PPC advertising.
What sets Matt apart is his unwavering focus on a client-first approach. He believes in positioning clients as the heroes of their own success stories, with Thrive acting as their trusted guide. This philosophy has fueled not only Thrive’s growth but also its reputation as a results-driven agency that consistently delivers measurable ROI for businesses of all sizes.
Matt’s contributions extend beyond leading Thrive—he’s a member of the Forbes Agency Council and a sought-after voice in digital marketing. His expertise has been featured in top publications, where he shares insights on effective strategies for leveraging the ever-changing social media landscape.
Under Matt’s leadership, Thrive has garnered accolades like Google Premier Partner status and a place among the “Best Web Designers in Dallas.” These achievements underscore the agency’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and growth, values that reflect Matt’s personal passion for helping businesses thrive.
As a husband, father, and entrepreneur, Matt’s leadership style is defined by humility, vision, and the drive to elevate others. Whether it’s building a cutting-edge digital marketing strategy or fostering a collaborative team culture, Matt Bowman is leading the way for businesses to succeed in today’s competitive online marketplace.
3. Jason Pampell
Jason Pampell, the visionary founder and CEO of HireInfluence, has reshaped the influencer marketing space since launching his agency in 2011. Recognized as a pioneer in the industry, Jason's innovative strategies and client-focused approach have propelled HireInfluence to become one of the most respected names in social media marketing.
Under Jason’s leadership, HireInfluence has mastered the art of intent-driven influencer campaigns, blending creativity with strategy to deliver impactful results for world-renowned brands. From experiential marketing to strategic content amplification, the agency offers a full suite of services designed to connect audiences with brands in authentic, memorable ways.
Jason’s thought leadership extends beyond the campaigns his agency creates. As a featured writer for the Forbes Agency Council, he shares valuable insights into the rapidly evolving influencer marketing scene. His ability to anticipate trends and adapt to new platforms has cemented his reputation as a forward-thinking strategist in digital marketing.
The accolades speak for themselves. In 2024, HireInfluence was named Marketing Agency of the Year by the MUSE Awards. The agency also earned recognition for Best Influencer Marketing Campaign by the Vega Digital Awards and Best Digital Marketing Campaign by the Netty Awards, solidifying its position as an industry leader.
With a career spanning over two decades and a diverse background in marketing, branding, and business development, Jason has consistently demonstrated his ability to turn ambitious ideas into thriving realities. His dedication to innovation, excellence, and fostering genuine brand-influencer connections has not only set HireInfluence apart but has also shaped the future of influencer marketing.
4. Garrett Mehrguth
Garrett Mehrguth, co-founder and CEO of Directive Consulting, has become a leading force in digital marketing. Since founding the agency in 2013, Garrett’s innovative leadership has transformed Directive into a powerhouse for enterprise software brands, with a strong emphasis on search and social media marketing.
Garrett’s data-driven approach to marketing sets him apart. By leveraging analytics and performance metrics, he has redefined how SaaS companies approach social media to drive engagement and business growth. Directive’s services go beyond traditional social campaigns, incorporating SEO, PPC, and content marketing to create cohesive, results-driven strategies for clients.
His impact isn’t limited to the agency’s success. As a thought leader in the industry, Garrett frequently shares his expertise on digital marketing trends and strategies through podcasts, public speaking, and educational platforms like General Assembly. His commitment to elevating the field through education and thought leadership underscores his dedication to the industry.
Directive’s growth and recognition are a testament to Garrett’s vision. The agency has forged partnerships with giants like Google, Bing, and Moz, highlighting its credibility in the digital marketing world. This recognition, coupled with Directive’s proven ability to deliver results for mid-market and enterprise-level clients, has solidified its reputation as a go-to agency for software companies looking to scale.
Garrett’s leadership philosophy revolves around fostering a strong team culture, driving innovation, and maintaining a relentless focus on client success. His ability to bootstrap Directive from a startup to a global agency reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence.
5. Phillip Reinhardt
Phillip Reinhardt, co-founder and CEO of PBJ Marketing, has distinguished himself as a leader in digital marketing by blending creativity, strategy, and client-focused solutions. Since establishing the agency in 2014, Phillip has spearheaded its growth, transforming it into a go-to partner for brands seeking innovative social media and digital marketing strategies.
Phillip’s extensive marketing background includes working with legacy brands like Starbucks, Visa, and Ford, where he honed his expertise in creating integrated growth strategies. This diverse experience has shaped his approach at PBJ Marketing, where he emphasizes a deep understanding of each client’s business to deliver tailor-made solutions. Under his leadership, the agency has developed data-driven social media campaigns and evidence-based design strategies that resonate with target audiences while driving measurable results.
What sets Phillip apart is his ability to seamlessly merge technology and creativity. PBJ Marketing operates with the belief that great digital solutions stem from careful research and user-focused design. By combining this philosophy with a results-oriented approach, Phillip has built an agency that not only meets clients' needs but also consistently exceeds their expectations.
Phillip’s leadership has earned PBJ Marketing widespread recognition, including a spot on the Financial Times 2024 list of The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies. Beyond his professional achievements, Phillip is known for his community involvement and passion for mentoring others.
6. Philip Young
Philip Young, CEO of Bird Marketing, has carved out a reputation as a forward-thinking leader. Since stepping into his role in 2011, Philip has guided Bird Marketing to global prominence, earning recognition as a multi-award-winning agency known for its innovative social media marketing solutions.
Philip’s leadership philosophy centers on customization and client success. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring social media strategies to fit each client’s unique needs, ensuring every campaign resonates with target audiences and drives measurable results. This personalized approach has become a hallmark of Bird Marketing, setting it apart in a highly competitive industry.
Under Philip’s guidance, Bird Marketing has successfully expanded its operations into major U.S. markets, including New York and Los Angeles. This global growth reflects his strategic vision to bring the agency’s innovative digital marketing expertise to a broader audience while maintaining its commitment to delivering impactful, results-driven campaigns.
Philip’s ability to lead with both creativity and strategic precision has earned Bird Marketing numerous accolades for its excellence in social media marketing. These industry awards underscore the agency’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that not only build online engagement but also contribute to long-term business growth for its clients.
With over a decade at the helm, Philip Young has positioned Bird Marketing as a global leader in social media marketing, combining innovation, expertise, and a commitment to helping businesses achieve their full potential online.
7. David Gaz
David Gaz, founder and CEO of The Bureau of Small Projects, is a trailblazer in applying big-brand strategies to help small businesses, startups, and nonprofits achieve outsized success. With over two decades of experience working with iconic brands like Levi's, Sony, Disney, and IBM, David’s leadership has transformed The Bureau of Small Projects into a globally recognized branding and B2B marketing agency.
David’s approach to social media marketing is rooted in strategy and innovation. He developed the "Wheel of Fortune" marketing process, a data-driven framework that optimizes clients’ campaigns to maximize engagement and ROI. By combining this process with insights gained from his Fortune 500 experience, David has enabled smaller organizations to enhance their online presence and compete with larger players in the market.
A creative powerhouse, David’s work spans branding, web development, advertising, photography, and film. His critically acclaimed documentary, Kindness Is Contagious, reflects his passion for meaningful storytelling—a skill that translates seamlessly into crafting compelling campaigns for clients. Under his guidance, The Bureau of Small Projects has elevated the social media efforts of diverse clients, ranging from startups to nonprofits making a global impact.
David’s achievements extend beyond his creative portfolio. He is an accomplished thought leader who writes for Forbes and Newsweek on topics like branding and marketing strategies. With a knack for blending creativity, strategy, and innovation, David Gaz has positioned The Bureau of Small Projects as a standout agency in the social media marketing landscape.
8. Gabriel Shaoolian
Gabriel Shaoolian, the founder and CEO of Digital Silk, is a trailblazer in the digital marketing world. With over 25 years of experience, Gabriel’s leadership and innovative strategies have solidified Digital Silk’s position as a top-tier agency specializing in social media marketing and digital transformation.
Since establishing Digital Silk in 2019, Gabriel has focused on creating exceptional digital experiences that drive brand growth. The agency provides a comprehensive suite of social media marketing services, including strategy development, content creation, and community management, tailored to help businesses thrive across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. With a particular emphasis on eCommerce, Digital Silk has mastered the art of leveraging social media platforms to drive sales and boost brand visibility.
Gabriel’s career is defined by his ability to lead with vision. Before Digital Silk, he founded Blue Fountain Media in 2003, where he developed digital strategies for powerhouse clients like NASA, Nike, and the United Nations. This venture, later acquired by Blackstone in 2017, set the stage for Gabriel’s next chapter—applying his expertise to help businesses of all sizes achieve measurable success online.
Beyond his agency work, Gabriel is a sought-after thought leader, contributing to major publications like Forbes and The New York Times. He shares actionable insights on topics ranging from digital marketing trends to business growth strategies. His work has also been spotlighted by CNN Tech, Bloomberg TV, and Reuters, showcasing his influence on the global stage.
9. Flynn Zaiger
Flynn Zaiger stands out as a dynamic leader in digital marketing as the Founder and CEO of Online Optimism, a creative marketing agency he established in October 2012. Under his leadership, the agency has grown to manage 25+ clients monthly with a team of 20 employees, operating from offices in New York, Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Atlanta.
What sets Zaiger apart is his proven track record in digital marketing, evidenced by his extensive portfolio of professional certifications from industry leaders including Meta, Google, Reddit, and LinkedIn. His commitment to staying current with digital marketing trends is reflected in his continuous professional development, maintaining certifications in crucial areas such as Google Analytics, Meta Media Planning, and Reddit Ads Fundamentals.
Before founding Online Optimism, Zaiger demonstrated his marketing prowess at Falck Alford Productions, where he achieved remarkable results including an 827% increase in monthly website traffic and a 290% increase in monthly revenues within just six months. This early success laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial venture.
Under Zaiger's leadership, Online Optimism has earned recognition as one of North America's Most Inspiring Workplaces and was named a finalist for Digiday's Most Passionate Employees. Zaiger's success can be attributed to his holistic approach to social media marketing, combining technical expertise with creative strategy.
The Visionary CEOs Behind New York's Social Media Marketing Firms
The CEOs of New York's top social media marketing firms are true innovators, setting a high standard for excellence in the digital space. From leveraging bold strategies to pioneering new marketing methodologies, these leaders demonstrate how vision and adaptability drive success.
Whether creating viral campaigns or expanding into new markets, their expertise in branding and strategy elevates businesses of all sizes. These trailblazing CEOs prove that in a city that never sleeps, the future of social media marketing is brighter than ever, making their firms the go-to partners for businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape.
