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. Taylor Adams
As the CEO and co-founder of The Creative Agency, Taylor Adams has become a standout leader in Boston’s influencer marketing scene. With a strong background in social media marketing, content creation, and brand partnerships, Taylor has crafted a reputation for delivering powerful campaigns that amplify brand messages and foster meaningful engagement. Her ability to merge creative strategy with data-driven results positions her agency as a go-to for businesses in the lifestyle and business sectors.
Taylor's entrepreneurial journey is shaped by her degree in Business Administration, focused on Entrepreneurship, from Northeastern University. Her passion for influencer marketing extends beyond her role at The Creative Agency—she also contributes to platforms like Pangea as a freelance brand partnership manager, showcasing her deep understanding of both sides of the influencer landscape.
Her expertise in content production—ranging from stunning photography and videography to impactful UGC content—allows her clients to build a captivating online presence. At the same time, her strategic approach to social media growth and public relations ensures that brands connect with the right influencers and gain significant visibility.
Outside of The Creative Agency, Taylor’s diverse interests in real estate investment and DIY home projects further reflect her entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey epitomizes the blend of creativity, business acumen, and passion that drives innovation in the influencer marketing industry.
For any brand seeking to make an impact in the digital age, Taylor Adams’ leadership and expertise make her a top figure to watch.
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. Kyle Austin
As the Founder and Managing Partner of Beantown Media Ventures (BMV), Kyle Austin has built a powerhouse in the influencer marketing space, helping brands, particularly venture-backed startups and B2B tech companies, scale and achieve impactful market positioning. With over a decade of experience, Austin has successfully led campaigns that elevate brand awareness and drive user acquisition for top-tier clients, including Sony, eHarmony, and RunKeeper.
Kyle’s leadership is further exemplified through his creation of BrandCirc, a proprietary platform designed to identify and analyze influencers across various social media channels, ensuring brands collaborate with the most relevant personalities. This data-driven approach has set BMV apart in optimizing campaign effectiveness, resulting in increased brand visibility and engagement for clients.
Austin’s award-winning leadership is evident in the recognition BMV has received, including a Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the United Nations Grand Award for PR excellence. These accolades highlight his expertise in managing high-profile campaigns and positioning brands for success in competitive markets.
Under Kyle's guidance, BMV’s influence extends beyond marketing, contributing to the growth of hundreds of startups, with a focus on data-driven strategies, strategic media relations, and comprehensive campaign management. With a track record of measurable success and a clear vision for the future, Kyle Austin is undoubtedly a leader shaping the influencer marketing industry in Boston and beyond.
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.
