In 2020, the San Francisco 49ers launched the Faithful to The Bay campaign, a dynamic homage to their passionate fanbase. This wasn't just about football—this was a celebration of loyalty, innovation, and the inclusive spirit that defines the Bay Area. Through a striking launch video, refreshed branding, exclusive apparel, and downloadable wallpapers, the campaign deepened their connection with the community, perfectly mirroring the city’s own cutting-edge, tech-forward vibe.
The campaign’s strategy was built on fostering an emotional bond with fans. It was designed to make every 49ers supporter feel like they were part of something bigger—something rooted in tradition, yet forward-thinking. By blending nostalgia with modern marketing, they not only redefined the fan experience but also tapped into the cultural pulse of the city.
The result? A powerful connection that resonated with the diverse Bay Area community and amplified their commitment to fans.
Just as the 49ers solidified their relationship with the Bay Area, the CEOs behind San Francisco's top digital marketing agencies are doing the same for brands in the digital realm. Their innovative strategies and forward-thinking leadership have positioned them as trailblazers, driving success for companies eager to make their mark in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
Let’s dive into the top 8 digital marketing CEOs in San Francisco, who, like the 49ers, are changing the game and setting the stage for the future of marketing.
Industry Leaders Shaping the Future of Digital Marketing
In the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape, visionary CEOs are driving innovation, growth, and success for their agencies and clients alike. These leaders blend expertise, creativity, and strategic vision to push boundaries and set new industry standards.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top CEOs in the digital marketing space and how their leadership is shaping the future of online marketing.
1. David Victor
David Victor, founder and CEO of Boomcycle Digital Marketing, is a seasoned leader in the digital marketing space with over 30 years of experience. Since founding Boomcycle in 2003, he has dedicated himself to helping small and medium-sized businesses elevate their online presence. With expertise in SEO, web design, and content marketing, David has built a reputation for delivering results-driven strategies that help clients outperform their competition.
Boomcycle offers a wide range of services including digital marketing guidance, Google Ads management, SEO, and social media management, making it a one-stop shop for businesses seeking comprehensive online solutions. The agency has worked with diverse industries, from plastic surgery centers to real estate firms, showcasing its versatility in catering to various market needs.
Clients appreciate Boomcycle’s approach to boosting visibility and driving engagement, and many, like Tia Robinson of Kravee Meal Prep, praise the agency’s professionalism and impact.
David’s commitment extends beyond business—he’s also the founder of Harmony & Healing, a nonprofit that brings live music to hospital patients, aiming to enhance their healing experience. His unique blend of creativity and technical skill allows him to deliver outstanding marketing results while contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
As a leader, David Victor has been instrumental in driving the growth of Boomcycle and its clients. His strategic approach to digital marketing has not only earned the trust of local and national brands but also positioned him as a top figure among San Francisco’s digital marketing CEOs.
2. Ryder Meehan
Before co-founding Upgrow, Ryder Meehan held key positions at major brands like Tatcha, Fossil, and Samsung, where he honed his expertise in SEO, paid search, social media advertising, and influencer marketing. His experience in overseeing digital marketing campaigns for global companies has equipped him with a deep understanding of performance marketing and the ability to generate ROI-driven results.
This blend of creativity and analytics has propelled Upgrow to success, earning recognition on the Inc. 5000 list multiple times.
Upgrow is a digital marketing agency renowned for its data-driven approach and impressive track record of delivering measurable results. Since launching Upgrow in 2016, Ryder has focused on helping clients across various industries—including financial services, B2B software, and nonprofits—drive substantial traffic, increase sales, and optimize online marketing strategies.
Upgrow's suite of services, including SEO, PPC, social media ads, and web analytics, helps businesses maximize their digital presence. Ryder’s leadership has cultivated a high-performance team that specializes in conversion optimization, ensuring that marketing strategies are not just effective but also highly efficient.
Clients such as Talkdesk, Assa Abloy, and Marpac trust Upgrow to drive their digital growth. Ryder’s strategic vision and commitment to measurable outcomes make him one of San Francisco’s top digital marketing leaders. His passion for blending data with creative solutions continues to fuel the agency's success, making him a standout figure in the competitive landscape of digital marketing.
3. Craig Millon
With an extensive background at iconic companies like Revlon, Gillette, and FCB/Marketing Drive, Craig Millon brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep passion for creating meaningful connections between brands and audiences. Serving as the Global Co-President and CEO of Jack Morton Worldwide, Millon has led the agency to new heights, helping the agency solidify its reputation as a global leader in immersive brand experiences.
Under his leadership, Jack Morton has continued to deliver innovative campaigns that captivate consumer imaginations, drive engagement, and yield measurable results. Millon’s vision for brand experiences transcends traditional marketing methods, embracing the idea that these experiences are not just a medium but a movement that shapes consumer perceptions and deepens brand loyalty.
Craig’s influence at Jack Morton is also evident in the agency’s strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with a notable celebration of his Filipino American heritage during AAPI Heritage Month in 2024, highlighting the agency’s commitment to cultural engagement.
Millon’s expertise and forward-thinking approach to experiential marketing are defining the future of the industry, positioning Jack Morton at the forefront of a rapidly evolving marketing landscape. With a focus on delivering lasting impressions and measurable ROI, Craig Millon’s leadership continues to elevate Jack Morton Worldwide, making him a standout CEO in the competitive San Francisco digital marketing space.
4. Sreekanth Saseendran
Sreekanth Saseendran, the Founder and CEO of Verbsz Marketing, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the digital marketing space. Under his leadership, Verbsz Marketing has carved out a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge digital strategies, specializing in website design and development, and providing end-to-end solutions that help businesses scale and thrive online.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sreekanth has honed his expertise in digital strategy, business leadership, and lead generation, giving Verbsz Marketing a competitive edge in the crowded digital marketing field. His approach is deeply client-centric, prioritizing transparency, integrity, and client satisfaction at every step of the marketing process. This personalized approach ensures that clients are not only informed but also actively involved in driving their marketing success.
Verbsz Marketing’s global team embodies Sreekanth’s commitment to excellence and innovation, delivering results that exceed client expectations. The agency's dedication to creating tailored strategies is reflected in glowing client testimonials, with clients praising Verbsz for its professionalism and effective services. One notable testimonial from Tia Robinson of Kravee Meal Prep emphasizes the agency’s outstanding service and reliability.
Sreekanth’s passion for growth and his deep understanding of digital marketing trends have positioned Verbsz as a leading agency helping businesses reach their full potential. His focus on leveraging the latest technologies and staying ahead of industry trends ensures that Verbsz Marketing remains a top player in the digital marketing landscape.
5. Michael Mothner
Michael Mothner is a trailblazer in the digital marketing space, having founded Wpromote in 2001 from his Dartmouth College dorm room. What started as a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising service has since grown into a powerhouse, evolving into a full-service digital marketing agency that serves industry giants like Whirlpool, Frontier Airlines, and TransUnion.
Under Michael’s leadership, Wpromote has become the largest independent digital marketing agency in the U.S., with over 600 employees and a robust presence in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. The agency offers an extensive range of services, from paid media campaigns to SEO, content marketing, and digital analytics. Wpromote’s success is a direct reflection of Michael’s commitment to innovation, which has helped clients achieve measurable, profit-driven results.
An industry thought leader, Michael has contributed to major publications like Inc. Magazine, AdAge, and Business Insider. His insights on entrepreneurship and digital marketing have made him a sought-after speaker at conferences nationwide. He’s also been featured in high-profile outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and MSNBC. Michael’s accolades, including being named one of Inc. Magazine's 30 CEOs Under 30 To Watch, solidify his status as a digital marketing pioneer.
Wpromote’s continued success and its reputation for excellence can be attributed to Michael’s vision, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. His ability to stay ahead of digital trends and drive innovation has made Wpromote a key player in shaping the future of online marketing.
6. Ben Bechtel
Ben Bechtel is a seasoned digital marketing expert and the Director of Digital Marketing at AIM Digital Agency, where he’s been driving the agency’s growth since 2022. With over 13 years of experience, Ben’s expertise spans the full spectrum of digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing, and website development. His comprehensive knowledge has been instrumental in shaping AIM’s strategy and success across various industries like healthcare, automotive, and retail.
Prior to joining AIM, Ben held leadership roles, including Director of Digital Marketing at Bonneville International and Vice President of Digital Marketing at 1SEO I.T. Support & Digital Marketing. His leadership has consistently helped businesses optimize their digital presence and achieve meaningful results.
Under his guidance, AIM Digital Agency has expanded its reach, offering a wide array of services including PPC, digital strategy, and video advertising, catering to clients across multiple U.S. cities.
Ben’s dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and driving innovation has earned AIM Digital a stellar reputation. Clients consistently praise the agency for its professionalism and ability to deliver effective, tailored marketing solutions. Beyond his professional work, Ben’s contributions to the digital marketing field, including his certifications and thought leadership, reflect his commitment to excellence and continuous learning.
Aiming for high-quality, results-driven digital strategies, Ben Bechtel continues to lead AIM Digital Agency to new heights, positioning the firm as a trusted partner for businesses looking to thrive in the digital age.
7. Ken Baker
Before founding Metric Theory, Ken Baker honed his expertise in the SEM space, leading and expanding a software and services division within a global media technology company. This background in technology and marketing laid the foundation for the agency's focus on delivering measurable, high-impact strategies for clients across industries such as B2B, retail, e-commerce, and startups.
Under Ken’s leadership, Metric Theory has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Agency of the Year award at the Search Engine Land Awards in 2019. His commitment to fostering a positive company culture has also garnered impressive results, with a 96% CEO approval rating, placing him among the top 5% of CEOs in similar-sized companies.
Metric Theory offers a wide range of services, from SEM and paid social advertising to Amazon marketing, programmatic advertising, and mobile marketing. Ken's hands-on approach with some of the agency’s largest clients has driven the success of many high-performing digital campaigns.
Ken Baker’s strategic vision, combined with his deep understanding of performance marketing, has made him a standout CEO in the San Francisco digital marketing landscape.
8. Pim van Helten
Pim van Helten is the CEO and co-founder of DPDK, a globally recognized digital agency known for its creative excellence and innovative approach to brand transformation. Since founding DPDK in 2004, Pim has driven the agency's mission to elevate brands through exceptional digital experiences, combining strategy, design, and technology to craft powerful digital products.
Pim's leadership style is energetic and visionary, continuously challenging the ordinary and fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. He is particularly adept at leveraging emerging technologies and customer insights to guide DPDK’s clients through digital transformation. Under his guidance, the agency has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Webby Awards and Dutch Interactive Awards, and has worked with high-profile clients like Nike, Heineken, IKEA, and Peugeot.
DPDK's San Francisco office, established in 2019, serves as a hub for the agency’s North American operations, offering services that range from digital design and branding to performance marketing and technology solutions. The agency's approach to blending diverse roles—creative, design, technology, and strategy—has allowed it to stay ahead of rapidly changing market trends.
Pim’s leadership is widely respected, and his strategic direction has made DPDK a leader in the digital space. His recent nomination for the DigitalAgency100 2025 Award further underscores his impact on the industry.
Conclusion: Digital Marketing CEOs Leading the Charge in San Francisco
The CEOs behind the top digital marketing agencies in San Francisco are not just keeping up with the ever-evolving digital landscape—they’re setting the pace. From performance marketing to brand transformation, these leaders are redefining what’s possible for businesses looking to thrive online.
With a blend of innovation, strategy, and a client-first mentality, they are pushing boundaries and driving measurable results. These CEOs exemplify this forward-thinking leadership, continuously transforming the digital marketing world and delivering exceptional service through their firms.
