In 2024, The Shelf, an Atlanta-based influencer marketing agency, orchestrated a campaign for ROAR Organic that not only captivated audiences but also earned them a spot on the Inc. 5000 list. Through a three-year partnership, The Shelf crafted a strategy that blended humor, relatable content, and highly engaged micro-influencers to connect with health-conscious millennials. Their approach—focusing on diverse content pillars like Active Lifestyle and Health & Wellness—resulted in impressive engagement rates and over 3 million additional impressions in 2024 alone.
This campaign wasn’t just successful; it set a new benchmark for influencer marketing. With creative executions on TikTok and Meta, influencers drove record-breaking results. It’s a prime example of the strategic brilliance of Atlanta's top influencer marketing agencies, led by visionary CEOs who are consistently raising the bar in the industry. Let’s dive into the profiles of the city’s most influential leaders.
But who are the visionaries steering these companies to such heights? Let's delve into the profiles of the top CEOs shaping the future of influencer marketing in Atlanta.
Top 9 CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Atlanta
Atlanta has become a powerhouse for influencer marketing, driven by visionary CEOs who blend creativity with data-driven precision. These leaders are not just running agencies—they’re shaping the future of digital influence, engineering viral campaigns, and redefining how brands connect with audiences in an ever-evolving social landscape.
1. Atul Singh
Atul Singh leads The Shelf—an agency you're all too familiar with. With a PhD in Computer Science from Rice University and an educational foundation from the prestigious IIT, Atul brings a rare blend of analytical precision and creative strategy to the industry. Before stepping into the world of influencer marketing, he honed his expertise in cloud computing and data center networking at NEC Laboratories and Intel Research.
Now, as CEO of The Shelf, he’s applied that technical prowess to build a powerhouse platform that helps brands run ROI-driven campaigns with laser-focused targeting.
Under Atul’s leadership, The Shelf has grown into a global team of 90+ professionals, providing brands with AI-driven insights, predictive analytics, and campaign management tools that make influencer marketing more efficient (and less of a wild guessing game). His ability to blend data science with marketing intuition has made The Shelf a go-to agency for brands looking to maximize their impact in the digital space.
But Atul isn’t just about numbers and algorithms. He’s a leader who values trust, innovation, and a touch of humor—he’ll be the first to admit his talent for buying exercise equipment he never uses. His leadership philosophy is centered on fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, which has propelled The Shelf to the forefront of influencer marketing.
2. Sean Standberry
When Sean Standberry co-founded LYFE Marketing in 2011, he was setting the stage for a social media revolution for small businesses. With over a decade in the industry, Sean has built LYFE into a powerhouse for influencer marketing, helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful (and profitable) ways.
Starting his journey at Georgia State University, Sean took an entrepreneurial leap that would change the game for over 100 businesses looking to amplify their digital presence. His expertise? Developing marketing strategies that generate continuous sales and conversions—without the frustration of outdated traditional media. LYFE Marketing specializes in social media management, paid advertising, and, of course, influencer marketing, ensuring brands get in front of the right audience with the right message.
But Sean isn’t just a CEO—he’s a thought leader. Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine, he’s shared insights on building a brand that thrives in the fast-paced world of social media. And his impact doesn’t stop at marketing—he co-founded LYFE Accounting, helping businesses grow their financial stability just as much as their online reach.
What sets Sean apart? His data-driven approach combined with a passion for growth and service. Whether he’s scaling social media campaigns or crafting influencer partnerships, he’s all about delivering results—fast.
3. Keith Kakadia
Since founding Sociallyin in 2011, Keith Kakadia has worked with over 150 brands, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, TGI Fridays, Edible Arrangements, and even The Winter Olympics, to create award-winning campaigns. His expertise spans social media strategy, content production, community management, and influencer marketing, making Sociallyin a go-to agency for brands looking to dominate the social space.
But what sets Sociallyin apart? A hands-on approach to influencer marketing. From identifying the perfect creators to managing collaborations, Keith’s team ensures brands don’t just partner with influencers—they build authentic connections that drive engagement.
Before stepping into the marketing world, Keith got his start at The Walt Disney Company—a place known for its obsession with customer experience. He’s carried that same commitment to excellence and storytelling into Sociallyin, ensuring that every campaign his agency runs resonates with the right audience.
Beyond running one of Atlanta’s top influencer marketing agencies, Keith is also the mind behind The Southern Social Summit (S3)—one of the largest social media marketing conferences in the South.
4. Jared Belsky
Jared Belsky is a marketing executive who has spent two decades redefining digital marketing into what we know it to be today. His role as a CEO at Acadia allows him to help brands master social media, influencer marketing, and performance marketing.
Before launching Acadia in 2021, Jared spent nearly 13 years at 360i, where he rose to CEO and helped position the agency as a dominant force in digital marketing. Under his leadership, 360i was recognized in AdAge’s A-List for eight consecutive years and earned a reputation for blending creativity with data-driven strategy—an approach he’s carried into Acadia.
At Acadia, he emphasizes authentic influencer partnerships as a key driver of engagement, ensuring brands don’t just “go viral” but achieve meaningful, measurable growth. Beyond leading one of Atlanta’s top marketing agencies, Jared is a respected thought leader. He’s authored two books—The Great Client Partner and You Get the Agency You Deserve—shedding light on building strong client-agency relationships. His insights have been featured in AdAge, Adweek, Digiday, and Forbes, making him a go-to expert in the marketing world.
His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed—Jared has been named to AdAge’s 40 Under 40, Adweek’s Media All-Star list, and most recently, Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs in 2023 by the Business Journal.
With a relentless focus on innovation, transparency, and results, Jared Belsky is helping brands navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape—one data-driven strategy at a time.
5. Christopher Crawford
Christopher Crawford, the man behind the success of AdToro, has built a powerhouse known for delivering high-impact, data-driven strategies across influencer marketing, social media advertising, SEO, and beyond. Since founding the agency in 2017, Chris has partnered with over 300 brands across numerous industries, including e-commerce, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare.
Under his leadership, AdToro has been recognized as one of Atlanta’s top digital agencies, ranking 7th in the city—a testament to its success in creating measurable growth for clients. But his knowledge of all things digital-marketing-related has turned AdToro into a full-service marketing giant.
With that said, influencer marketing is still a key pillar of AdToro’s services, helping brands source high-performing influencers, negotiate deals, manage campaigns, and track ROI. Always ahead of industry trends, Chris expanded AdToro’s reach in 2023 by launching NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and influencer talent management services, further cementing the agency’s role in connecting brands with the right voices.
Beyond AdToro, Chris’s entrepreneurial spirit extends into AI innovation—he recently founded Babbily, an AI platform designed to simplify access to premium AI models in one seamless experience.
6. Ken Holsclaw
For over two decades, Ken Holsclaw has been expanding the boundaries of marketing with Phase 3 Marketing & Communications. During his time, he has transformed the agency from a seven-person startup in Atlanta to a 200+ employee powerhouse with offices in Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, and New York.
Phase 3 is a one-stop shop for integrated marketing solutions, offering everything from brand strategy and design to PR, media management, digital printing, and branded merchandise. But in today’s digital-first world, influencer marketing has become a key driver of success—something Ken and his team have mastered.
Specializing in hospitality and lifestyle brands, Phase 3 helps hotels, restaurants, and resorts connect with top influencers and micro-influencers to drive brand awareness, engagement, and revenue. Their approach isn’t just about partnerships—it’s about data-driven strategy. Case in point: a $7.2 million ROI delivered for a client through a targeted influencer campaign.
Ken’s leadership philosophy is simple: grow strategically, acquire intelligently, and adapt relentlessly. Since 2001, he has overseen 12 successful acquisitions, expanding Phase 3’s capabilities and market reach, all while keeping innovation at the core of the agency’s DNA.
7. Zoe Eagle
Zoe Eagle brings an exceptional leadership track record to her role as the CEO of Iris, a renowned creative agency specializing in influencer marketing. Appointed in 2024, Zoe brings over 12 years of experience in creative agency leadership and strategy, solidifying her as a top figure in the marketing industry.
Before joining Iris, Zoe was a Co-Chief Creative Agency at Accenture Song, where she led creative strategies for two years. Her experience extends to Karmarama, where she served as Managing Director, overseeing operations and client development. In addition to her leadership roles at Karmarama, she held senior positions as Deputy Managing Director and Managing Partner, showcasing her expertise in scaling agency operations and delivering impactful marketing solutions.
Zoe’s journey also includes five years as Business Lead at BBH London, where she honed her skills in brand and account management. Her career was further shaped by her time at Modern Citizens and Creature, where she developed a keen understanding of account management and operations.
Under her leadership, Iris has flourished, drawing on her deep knowledge of influencer marketing to create tailored strategies that help brands build authentic relationships with their audiences. Her experience spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, fashion, and lifestyle, all of which have benefited from her creative vision.
8. Jordan Sandler
Jordan Sandler has been reshaping the digital scene in Atlanta since 2013 when he decided to go down a different path. Before founding Frenik Marketing Group, Jordan was working in sales and brokerage firms. But ever since, he has built a full-service agency that helps brands grow through cutting-edge technologies, creative strategies, and data.
Frenik Marketing Group is now a top player in influencer marketing, offering brands a proven model for micro-influencer partnerships. Unlike agencies chasing big-name influencers, Frenik focuses on niche creators—influencers with highly engaged, loyal audiences that drive real brand impact. Through careful vetting and relationship-building, Frenik ensures that every influencer collaboration is authentic, strategic, and results-driven.
Under Jordan’s leadership, the agency has been recognized as one of Atlanta’s top influencer marketing firms, known for blending creativity with performance marketing. But Jordan’s impact extends beyond business—as a board member for organizations like the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, he’s committed to giving back and fostering local business growth.
With his entrepreneurial mindset and forward-thinking approach, Jordan Sandler has positioned Frenik as an industry leader in influencer marketing, proving that real influence isn’t just about reach—it’s about engagement and trust.
9. Sarah Anderson
As Managing Director of Trade School, Sarah Anderson leads an integrated content agency that blends strategy, creative production, and influencer marketing to help brands connect with consumers in authentic and impactful ways.
Under her leadership, Trade School has built a powerhouse influencer marketing division, offering full-funnel strategy, seamless execution, and advanced performance measurement. With a dedicated influencer team of 18 people and cutting-edge technology, the agency ensures efficient, data-driven partnerships (they're managing over 300 influencer partnerships per year) that drive engagement and ROI. Recognizing the growing importance of this space, Sarah appointed Amy Choi as Executive Director of Creator Strategy and Marketing in 2024, reinforcing Trade School’s commitment to influencer-driven brand storytelling.
From retail and consumer goods to financial services and healthcare, Sarah has 15+ years of agency experience, giving her a deep understanding of what makes consumers engage, trust, and take action.
Her strategic mindset and results-driven approach have propelled Trade School to the forefront of influencer marketing, helping brands move beyond generic campaigns to create culture-driven, high-impact content.
With Sarah at the helm, Trade School isn’t just producing content—it’s shaping the future of brand influence.
Shaping the Future of Influence: Atlanta’s Top CEOs Leading the Charge
Atlanta’s influencer marketing landscape is thriving, thanks to the visionary CEOs behind some of the most innovative agencies and firms in the industry. These leaders have transformed influencer marketing from a trendy tactic into a data-driven, ROI-focused service, crafting strategies that elevate brands and drive measurable success.
Whether it's through AI-powered insights, micro-influencer partnerships, or culture-driven storytelling, Atlanta's top firms are redefining digital engagement. As the industry continues to evolve, these CEOs are at the forefront, proving that influence isn’t just about reach—it’s about impact, authenticity, and strategic execution.
