In 2020, Frankfurt-based Bitfuel sparked a digital firestorm with their #SCHUFAklärt campaign—a bold, playful twist on brand transparency. The goal? To demystify the often misunderstood SCHUFA credit scoring system for younger audiences. With influencer partnerships that brought humor and relatability to the usually dry world of finance, Bitfuel managed to turn a complex, technical subject into a viral sensation.
The campaign not only reached over 21 million impressions but also secured two prestigious German Brand Awards. In an era where consumers crave authenticity, this campaign didn’t just inform—it connected, proving that sometimes, the most innovative ideas are the ones that dare to be different.
The success of campaigns like #SCHUFAklärt can be credited to the visionary leadership of top CEOs in Frankfurt's social media marketing agencies. These trailblazers have redefined digital marketing by blending creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior.
In this article, we’ll delve into the careers and achievements of the most influential CEOs, exploring how their innovative campaigns have set new benchmarks in the industry.
Top CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in Frankfurt
In Frankfurt’s dynamic digital landscape, a new wave of visionary CEOs is leading the charge in social media marketing innovation. These industry pioneers don’t just follow trends—they create them, helping brands craft compelling narratives, drive engagement, and achieve measurable success. Here’s a look at the top firm leaders shaping the future of digital marketing in Frankfurt.
1. Bernhard Haas
Frankfurt’s social media landscape is evolving fast, but Bernhard Haas isn’t just keeping up—he’s leading the charge. With a career spanning major advertising networks and global corporations, he has spent years mastering the intersection of technology, branding, and performance marketing. His expertise has shaped digital transformation strategies for Ogilvy, Nestlé, and Qatar Airways, driving e-commerce expansion across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland before he took on the challenge of scaling Bitfuel into one of Frankfurt’s most forward-thinking agencies.
At Bitfuel, Haas is redefining how brands leverage social media, influencer marketing, and content production. The agency’s campaign for #SCHUFAklärt is a testament to his strategic approach—by crafting an engaging financial literacy initiative, Bitfuel reached over 21 million impressions and converted 97,000 users, turning dry finance topics into viral digital conversations.
Beyond traditional marketing, Haas is steering brands into the future through Bitfuel’s Metaverse Studio, where Web3, AI, and immersive experiences are shaping the next generation of digital engagement.
2. Jörg Stark
For nearly two decades, Jörg Stark has been at the forefront of performance-driven digital marketing, but his approach is anything but conventional. Coming from a technical background in computer science, he has leveraged his analytical skills to turn data into marketing gold, crafting high-ROI strategies that blend SEO, SEA, influencer marketing, and e-commerce optimization.
His experience at McCann, Mindshare, and Soquero helped shape digital strategies for Nike, SAP, and Volvo, but his vision for a results-focused, technology-first marketing firm led him to create DigitalX, a social media agency built on precision, personalization, and profitability.
A recognized leader in the field, Stark is Google Ads and Twitter Advertising certified, ensuring DigitalX remains at the cutting edge of digital ad placements and algorithm changes. His commitment to education and thought leadership has made him a sought-after speaker on topics like AI in marketing, SEO best practices, and the evolution of social commerce.
3. Steffen Mai
Some agencies create content. Steffen Mai creates ecosystems. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and digital engagement, his approach goes beyond social media posts—it’s about building brand communities that thrive long after a campaign ends.
His leadership at Svaerm has shaped the agency into a powerhouse for audience-driven storytelling, where data and creativity work hand in hand to build lasting brand affinity. Whether it’s executing live event coverage for Ambiente, the world’s largest consumer goods trade fair, or spearheading content trends for cultural projects like the DDCAST podcast, Mai ensures every campaign resonates with its target audience.
Beyond corporate clients, Mai’s expertise extends into web design, SEO, and multimedia content, making Svaerm a go-to agency for businesses looking to integrate storytelling with performance marketing. His ability to identify what makes audiences engage, follow, and convert is what sets him apart in a saturated industry.
4. André Hehemann
Frustration often leads to innovation, and André Hehemann’s journey into digital marketing is proof of that. After seeing too many agencies fail to deliver results, he co-founded Suchhelden in 2013 with a bold mission: prove that data-driven marketing can be both measurable and impactful.
Under his guidance, Suchhelden has grown into one of Germany’s most visible SEO agencies, with 140 experts specializing in search engine optimization, social media marketing, and video content production. What truly sets Hehemann apart is his no-nonsense approach—his agency is one of the few that offers a money-back guarantee, a rare show of confidence in an industry notorious for empty promises.
Beyond running Suchhelden, Hehemann is an active voice in the marketing world, regularly featured in Business Punk and other publications, where he demystifies SEO myths and shares data-driven insights into social media performance. His expertise isn’t just theoretical—every strategy he implements is backed by real-world testing and measurable success.
5. Jasmin Élaine L.
Innovation and adaptability define Jasmin Élaine L., a leader who has turned social media marketing into a growth engine for brands. With a background that merges marketing strategy with real estate expertise, she offers an unmatched perspective on digital brand positioning and market dynamics.
At Guide Agency, the firm she founded, she has built a data-first, trend-savvy team that specializes in content creation, influencer marketing, and AI-driven advertising solutions. Unlike agencies that chase social media trends, Jasmin ensures every campaign is scalable, automated, and designed for maximum impact.
Her pioneering use of AI in content automation and workflow optimization has given brands like Women’s Best, MERO, and Universal Music Group a distinct advantage in the crowded social media landscape. She doesn’t just follow digital transformation—she accelerates it through workshops and consulting that help companies integrate AI into their marketing strategies.
6. Marcel Staudt
Design is more than aesthetics—Marcel Staudt sees it as a storytelling tool. With an extensive background in Visual Communication and Graphic Design, he has dedicated his career to creating brand identities that engage, evolve, and endure.
His agency, Quandel Staudt Design, is a leader in corporate identity, web design, and social media content, ensuring that every brand they work with stands out in a crowded digital space. Whether he’s developing a bold visual identity for avant-garde ensemble electronic ID or shaping B2B brands with content-first digital strategies, Staudt combines form and function seamlessly.
His expertise extends beyond branding—he co-founded Tripmii, a platform designed to analyze user behavior through the lens of design and psychology. His deep understanding of how audiences interact with visuals and content fuels his ability to create high-impact, conversion-driven branding solutions.
7. Andreas Arndt and Philipp Reittinge
Some agencies focus on creativity, others on data—Andreas Arndt and Philipp Reittinger built ZweiDigital to master both. Their agency has become a performance marketing powerhouse, helping brands turn digital engagement into measurable growth across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok.
Founded in 2019, ZweiDigital didn’t take long to make an impact. Within two years, the agency scaled to 35 employees and delivered a staggering 340% sales growth for its clients. Their portfolio includes brands like Connox, CEWE, Longines, and SportSpar, all benefiting from ZweiDigital’s ability to optimize ad spend, refine audience targeting, and maximize conversion rates.
Arndt’s background in e-commerce, mobile advertising, and conversion optimization brings a data-driven approach to every campaign, while Reittinger’s experience in content engagement and audience psychology ensures that creative execution resonates with users. Together, they have built an agency that thrives at the intersection of analytics and storytelling.
Beyond ad campaigns, ZweiDigital offers user-generated content creation, server-side tracking, and consulting services that help brands stay in control of their digital strategies. Their workshops on LinkedIn and Facebook Ads provide businesses with the tools to navigate ever-changing algorithms and market conditions.
8. Georges Wolff and Theresa Gruhler
Few agencies have had as much influence on Germany’s digital landscape as SUNZINET, and at its core are two leaders who have shaped its direction. Georges Wolff founded the agency in 1999, transforming it into one of the country’s most recognized full-service digital firms. Over the years, he has spearheaded its expansion across Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Hamburg, helping brands integrate digital strategy, e-commerce, and social media marketing into their core operations.
With expertise in IT, system integration, and business strategy, Wolff has built SUNZINET into a hub for digital transformation, guiding brands through the complexities of online growth while staying ahead of industry shifts.
In 2024, Theresa Gruhler stepped into the role of CEO after eight years as COO, where she played a crucial role in scaling operations, driving innovation, and strengthening client relationships. Her leadership ensures that SUNZINET continues to evolve, offering forward-thinking solutions that help brands align their business goals with digital execution.
Their approach to social media marketing goes beyond content creation—it’s about turning an online presence into a strategic asset. From data-driven ad campaigns to platform-specific branding, the agency helps clients maximize engagement and ROI. Their focus on results and innovation has earned them recognition as one of Frankfurt’s top agencies for digital growth.
Shaping the Future: The CEOs Defining Social Media Marketing in Frankfurt
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, the role of CEOs in shaping successful social media marketing strategies has never been more critical. The leaders highlighted in this article—visionaries like Bernhard Haas, Jörg Stark, and Steffen Mai—aren’t just running agencies; they’re redefining how brands connect with audiences.
From AI-powered content strategies to performance-driven campaigns, each firm brings something unique to the table. As social media continues to be the battleground for brand engagement, these CEOs prove that innovation, storytelling, and data-driven insights are the keys to standing out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
