The espresso machines gleamed under the soft Milanese lights as she walked in—her signature pink aesthetic blending seamlessly with the rich aroma of Nespresso’s finest brews. This was marketing at its finest. Chiara Ferragni, Italy’s social fashion queen, had just launched a campaign that would shake the influencer marketing industry to its core. The pop-up café was no ordinary collaboration; it was a masterclass in branding, a fusion of luxury, lifestyle, and digital influence so seamless that even the skeptics had to take notes.
For a moment, the world wasn’t talking about Nespresso’s coffee—they were talking about who was drinking it. The campaign didn’t just sell a product; it sold a lifestyle, a mood, an aspiration. It was influencer marketing at its peak, proving that a well-crafted partnership could turn a simple morning ritual into a global conversation. But behind every game-changing campaign like this, there’s a mastermind—the CEOs and visionaries of Milan’s top influencer marketing agencies, the architects of digital influence.
Who are they? What strategies do they use to dominate the European market? And how are they shaping the future of brand partnerships in the fashion capital of the world? Let’s meet the power players defining Milan’s influencer marketing scene.
Top CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Milan
Milan’s influencer marketing scene isn’t just thriving—it’s setting global standards. At the heart of this evolution are the CEOs driving innovation, strategy, and cultural impact for top brands.
1. Olivier Billon and Paula Albuquerque
Olivier Billon and Paula Albuquerque, the powerhouse duo behind YKONE, have been instrumental in transforming the influencer marketing landscape, especially in Milan’s vibrant and competitive market.
As the Founder and CEO of YKONE, Olivier Billon has led the agency to global prominence, bringing his deep expertise in luxury marketing from his early days at L'Oréal. His strategic vision and innovative approach have allowed YKONE to expand to 18 cities worldwide, working with top-tier clients like Gucci, Armani, and Bottega Veneta. Billon’s leadership earned him the title of Entrepreneur of the Year, solidifying his status as an industry visionary. His emphasis on blending traditional agency services with cutting-edge technology continues to shape the future of influencer marketing.
Paula Albuquerque, Vice President and Managing Partner at YKONE, brings over a decade of expertise in influencer marketing. Her influence extends across markets, with a significant focus on the UK. Albuquerque has been central to YKONE's success, driving the agency's expansion and fostering strong client relationships through data-driven insights and creative strategies. Under her guidance, YKONE has been named Influencer Marketing Agency of the Year multiple times, further cementing her reputation as a thought leader. Her forward-thinking approach integrates AI and machine learning, ensuring that campaigns are not only impactful but also innovative.
Together, Billon and Albuquerque’s complementary skills have propelled YKONE to the forefront of the influencer marketing world. With their visionary leadership, they continue to redefine the industry, positioning YKONE as a global force and a trusted partner for iconic brands worldwide.
2. Gonzalo Cebrián
Some CEOs follow trends—Gonzalo Cebrián builds the tools that define them. At the helm of Le Guide Noir, he has transformed influencer marketing into a science, creating one of the most advanced social media performance platforms available today.
Founded in 2014, Le Guide Noir isn’t just another creator marketing agency—it’s a full-scale technology partner. The platform offers 21 specialized modules covering everything from influencer discovery to campaign execution and ROI measurement. By harnessing Big Data and AI-powered analytics, Cebrián has given brands the ability to fine-tune their social media strategies with pinpoint accuracy.
With a strong presence in Milan and Paris, Le Guide Noir has become an essential resource for luxury and fashion brands looking to optimize their influencer marketing efforts. The company’s analytical approach ensures that brands don’t just run campaigns but also maximize engagement, retention, and conversion rates.
Cebrián’s contributions go beyond software—he’s also an educator, sharing his insights as a Guest Professor at IE Business School and a frequent speaker at industry summits. His belief in data-driven decision-making has redefined how brands approach influencer marketing, proving that success isn’t just about creative storytelling but also about measurable impact.
3. Lara Ricciotti
Lara Ricciotti isn’t interested in maintaining the status quo—she’s determined to redefine it. Since stepping into the role of CEO at Spada Media Group in 2024, she has embarked on an ambitious journey to expand the agency’s reach, rebrand its image, and solidify its reputation as a leader in influencer marketing.
Her career with Spada Media Group spans nearly a decade, having previously served as a partner, COO, and co-founder. Through these roles, she played a key part in shaping the agency’s core offerings, particularly in press relations, creative production, and influencer collaborations. Now, as CEO, she’s elevating the agency’s strategic approach, ensuring that brands don’t just work with influencers but create meaningful, high-impact partnerships.
Ricciotti’s vision goes beyond marketing metrics. She’s committed to building a company rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. With plans to secure ESG and gender equality certifications by 2025, she’s positioning Spada Media Group as not just a marketing agency but a brand with purpose.
Her influence extends to the agency’s rebranding, overseeing everything from a sleek new website to an expanded creative team. She’s also leading the launch of Say Cheese srl, a new venture specializing in digital content production, including 360° video and interactive experiences.
4. Igor Cobalchini
Igor Cobalchini doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional CEO—and that’s exactly why he’s shaping the future of influencer marketing. As the founder of Officine Venticinque, he has built an agency that thrives on agility, innovation, and an instinct for what truly resonates in the digital landscape.
Originally from Bassano del Grappa, Cobalchini carved his path in Milan’s competitive marketing scene by launching a company that prioritizes creativity and authenticity over rigid structures. Officine Venticinque quickly gained recognition as a top-tier marketing and communication agency, working with some of Italy’s most influential digital creators. A standout campaign—Tera Challenge with Basso Bikes—showcased his ability to merge storytelling with brand strategy, turning online engagement into real-world impact.
Cobalchini’s leadership style is refreshingly unconventional. He dismisses rigid titles, preferring to be seen as a hands-on strategist rather than a traditional executive. This mindset keeps Officine Venticinque adaptable, ensuring that the agency remains ahead of the curve in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
Beyond running campaigns, he’s also an active digital presence himself. Through his personal Instagram (@igorcoba) and his agency’s TikTok (@officineventicinque), he engages directly with audiences, embodying the authenticity that today’s social media landscape demands.
5. Lorenza Bassetti
Lorenza Bassetti has spent more than three decades at the forefront of PR and influencer marketing, redefining how brands build trust and long-term credibility. Her leadership at Ad Mirabilia has transformed the agency into one of Milan’s most respected independent firms, blending classic media relations with the fast-moving world of digital influence.
Her career began in the editorial world, collaborating with iconic publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Cosmopolitan before making the leap into PR. In 1990, she launched Ad Mirabilia—not simply to offer services, but to shape the industry itself. Today, her agency specializes in corporate PR, digital storytelling, and influencer collaborations, working with over 300 brands to create campaigns that generate more than just visibility—they foster authentic engagement.
Under Bassetti’s guidance, Ad Mirabilia has pioneered influencer relations, focusing on credibility and strategic partnerships rather than short-lived buzz. Whether curating exclusive experiences for digital creators or driving cultural conversations through thought leadership campaigns, her approach ensures that every collaboration aligns with the brand’s values and long-term vision.
Recent projects like promoting the Air Label Score Institute and leading PR efforts for Eatable Adventures 2024 showcase her ability to merge digital innovation with deep industry insight. Her philosophy is clear: effective marketing isn’t just about making noise—it’s about building trust that lasts. In a fast-changing media landscape, Bassetti remains a guiding force, proving that influence is most powerful when it’s built on credibility.
6. Mariano Daga
Some marketers focus on visibility—Mariano Daga focuses on impact. His work at IDA - Influencer Digital Agency has positioned him as a strategic force in influencer marketing, crafting campaigns that don’t just reach audiences but genuinely resonate with them.
His journey through the marketing world has been dynamic, with experience spanning roles at L’Oréal, Roger Vivier, and Rai Pubblicità. Rising through the ranks at IDA from Junior Account Manager to Strategy Director, he has played a pivotal role in shaping influencer campaigns for powerhouse brands like Vinted, Bumble, Google, and Qatar Airways. His ability to merge creative storytelling with data-driven insights ensures that every campaign is optimized for maximum engagement and ROI.
Daga’s expertise shines in his ability to align brands with purpose-driven narratives. He has been instrumental in bringing McFit to TikTok, proving that even a fitness brand can thrive in a space dominated by viral trends. Whether it’s amplifying sustainable fashion initiatives for Vinted or creating authentic connections for Bumble, his approach is always rooted in authenticity.
7. Samantha De Reviziis
Samantha De Reviziis has built a career at the intersection of luxury, fashion, and digital influence, reshaping how high-end brands engage with audiences online. Through her leadership at Instasamy, she has created a powerhouse agency that blends creativity, strategy, and performance-driven influencer campaigns.
Her expertise is built on more than a decade of experience, working with industry leaders like Max Mara, Pinko, Venchi, and Ermanno Scervino. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to bridge traditional luxury marketing with the fast-paced world of social media. Whether she’s orchestrating viral activations at fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, New York, and Shanghai or crafting high-impact collaborations between brands and creators, De Reviziis ensures that every campaign delivers both prestige and measurable results.
Beyond Instasamy, her influence extends into fashion journalism, serving as a media representative for Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, Grazia Qatar, and Esquire Qatar. These deep industry connections allow her to strategically position brands where they’ll have the most impact, ensuring they’re seen not just by many, but by the right audiences.
Her philosophy is simple: digital marketing isn’t about following trends—it’s about setting them. With an approach that combines creative storytelling with data-backed precision, De Reviziis is pushing the boundaries of what influencer marketing can achieve.
8. Lorenzo Zesi
As the founder and CEO of Isola di Comunicazione, Lorenzo Zesi is at the forefront of influencer marketing in Milan, crafting campaigns that seamlessly blend creativity with data-driven strategies. With over a decade of experience, Zesi has led his agency to become a trusted partner for both national and international clients, providing innovative digital marketing solutions.
Zesi’s expertise spans beyond influencer marketing, with a strong background in web development, advertising, and social media management. However, it’s his deep commitment to authentic influencer collaborations that sets him apart. By aligning brands with influencers who genuinely resonate with their values, Zesi ensures that every partnership delivers real, measurable results.
Notable for his role in PizzAut’s communication consultancy and working with diverse clients like Ellegi snc and Arti Salute, Zesi excels in creating tailored, cross-platform campaigns that elevate brand visibility and engagement. His strategic approach also integrates Google Ads and Google Analytics certifications, ensuring campaigns are both effective and measurable.
Zesi’s philosophy is rooted in honesty and social responsibility, believing that the future of marketing lies in meaningful, transparent collaborations. His hands-on approach and dedication to ongoing network building make him a standout leader in Milan’s influencer marketing scene.
With a reputation for integrity and innovative strategies, Lorenzo Zesi is a top CEO to watch in the influencer marketing space.
Milan’s Influencer Titans: The Architects of Digital Success
The CEOs behind Milan’s top influencer marketing firms aren’t just running businesses—they’re shaping the future of brand engagement. From luxury campaigns to cutting-edge digital strategies, these visionary leaders are redefining how brands connect with audiences in a rapidly evolving space.
Whether through AI-powered analytics, high-impact storytelling, or seamless influencer collaborations, their services are transforming companies into cultural powerhouses. As influencer marketing continues to evolve, these firms will remain at the forefront, proving that in Milan, digital influence isn’t just a trend—it’s an art form, meticulously crafted by the industry’s most forward-thinking minds.
