The tumbler wasn’t just a tumbler anymore. It was a status symbol, a viral obsession, a movement. In an era where social media dictates trends overnight, no one saw it coming—not even Stanley, the century-old brand that suddenly found itself at the heart of one of the most explosive influencer marketing campaigns in history.
It started with lifestyle influencers, casually flaunting the Quencher tumbler as an everyday essential. Then, TikTok took over. The scarcity, the colors, the “you can’t find this anywhere” allure—it became a frenzy. Lines wrapped around stores, resale prices skyrocketed, and Stanley transformed from a rugged outdoor gear brand into a cultural phenomenon.
But behind every viral sensation, there’s a strategy—an orchestrated blend of storytelling, exclusivity, and the power of digital influence. In Seattle, a city teeming with marketing masterminds, the CEOs of top influencer marketing agencies are crafting these very blueprints, turning brands into legends. So, who are the visionaries behind these campaigns? Let’s meet the top CEOs shaping the future of influencer marketing in Seattle.
Top 9 CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Seattle
Seattle is home to some of the most innovative minds in influencer marketing—visionary CEOs who are redefining how brands connect with audiences. These leaders are behind the agencies driving viral campaigns, blending data, creativity, and strategy to shape the future of digital influence.
1. Benjamin Kaplan
If influencer marketing had a hall of fame, Benjamin B. Kaplan would already have his plaque on the wall. As the founder and CEO of PR Hacker, Kaplan has redefined the industry by taking a data-driven approach to viral publicity—turning traditional PR on its head and replacing gut instinct with hard analytics.
With a magna cum laude degree in Economics from Harvard, a bestselling scholarship book with over a million readers, and a history of training startup founders worldwide, he’s a rare mix of strategist, storyteller, and scientist. Under his leadership, PR Hacker has expanded into a global powerhouse, with a strong Seattle presence specializing in influencer marketing, content creation, and brand strategy.
Unlike agencies that rely on paid influencer deals, Kaplan’s team at PR Hacker champions organic, earned-value programs—an approach that has won over clients like Mercedes-Benz, Budweiser, and Postmates. By seamlessly integrating PR, content marketing, and influencer outreach, PR Hacker amplifies brand messages in a way that feels authentic and drives real engagement.
Beyond PR Hacker, Kaplan also leads TOP, a global agency network spanning 20+ countries, and founded National Today, a viral media platform that taps into cultural moments to help brands make headlines.
Kaplan isn’t just keeping up with influencer marketing trends—he’s creating them.
2. Michael Mish
Michael Mish doesn’t just run AMP Agency—he transforms it. Since joining in 2012, he’s climbed the ranks from Director of Business Development to President, shaping AMP into one of the most dynamic influencer marketing agencies in the industry. With a keen eye for strategy and innovation, Mish has spearheaded key acquisitions and integrations, expanding AMP’s capabilities across digital, experiential, and influencer marketing.
Under his leadership, AMP has taken influencer marketing beyond likes and shares, focusing on real engagement and brand connections. From influencer identification and campaign strategy to performance analysis and content creation, his team delivers data-driven, high-impact influencer programs that resonate with audiences.
Seattle has been a home for AMP for over 15 years, evolving from an experiential marketing shop to a full-service agency. Mish has played a pivotal role in unifying AMP’s diverse teams—writers, strategists, producers, and designers—into a powerhouse of creative and analytical talent, working with world-class brands across industries.
One of his standout achievements? Leading the acquisition of Genome, a digital innovation firm, to strengthen AMP’s tech capabilities and global reach. By consolidating five specialized agencies into one, Mish has made AMP more agile, innovative, and future-proof in an ever-changing marketing landscape.
With a background spanning Fortune 500 giants and startups, Mish blends business savvy with a deep understanding of modern marketing.
3. John Rubino
For over 17 years, John Rubino has been more than just a leader at GreenRubino—he’s been the driving force behind its evolution. As co-owner and partner, he’s helped transform the Seattle-based agency into a powerhouse that seamlessly integrates advertising, branding, PR, and influencer marketing to build brands with purpose.
Rubino understands that influencer marketing is more than just collaborations—it’s about crafting narratives that resonate. Take GreenRubino’s campaign for Washington State Wine, where the agency tapped comedian Greg Proops to create personalized content for key wine trade influencers. The result? A 41% boost in recommendations and a 131% spike in table wine sales—proof that storytelling, when done right, drives real business impact.
But Rubino’s influence extends beyond marketing. As a certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) owner, he’s a champion for diversity and inclusion, opening doors for GreenRubino to secure supplier diversity partnerships while fostering an agency culture rooted in authenticity. His decades-long commitment to the LGBTQ+ community—including early volunteer work with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in NYC—earned him the Outstanding Voices Lifetime Achievement award in 2023 from the Puget Sound Business Journal.
At its core, GreenRubino operates on a simple yet powerful belief: "Great work comes from a good place." Under Rubino’s leadership, the agency has stayed true to that mission—combining creativity, data, and strategy to elevate brands, engage audiences, and drive results.
4. Peter Finn
When Peter Finn founded FINN Partners in 2011, he set out to build more than just another PR agency—he envisioned a bold, purpose-driven firm that would redefine modern communications. Fast-forward to today, and his vision has become a global powerhouse, growing from $24 million to $196 million in fees, with 1,300+ employees across 34 offices on three continents.
Finn’s approach to influencer marketing is as strategic as it is innovative. FINN Partners doesn’t just pair brands with influencers; it crafts authentic narratives that drive engagement and build long-term credibility. With industry leaders like Jenny Heinrich guiding digital and influencer strategy, the agency has earned a reputation for blending data-driven insights with compelling storytelling—a formula that has made FINN a trusted partner for brands across industries.
Seattle is one of the key hubs in FINN’s network, where the team leverages deep market insights to execute highly targeted influencer campaigns. From tech to healthcare to lifestyle brands, the agency’s Seattle office plays a crucial role in helping clients connect with the right voices and audiences.
Finn’s leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s been featured on PRWeek’s Power List, a testament to his influence in the industry. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to scale with purpose—growing an agency that values collaboration, creativity, and social impact as much as it does business success.
5. Jonathan Heit
Since co-founding Allison in 2001, Jonathan Heit has played a pivotal role in transforming it into a global communications powerhouse, with 52 offices across five continents. Now, as Global CEO, Heit continues to push the boundaries of integrated marketing, PR, and influencer strategy, ensuring Allison remains at the forefront of modern brand engagement.
Under Heit’s leadership, influencer marketing at Allison isn’t just about partnerships—it’s about precision. The agency leverages AI-driven tools like the Allison Advanced Issues Monitor (AIM) to track and respond to social media conversations in real time, allowing brands to engage with influencers and audiences at the right moment, in the right way.
Seattle is a key player in Allison’s global network. With an office in the heart of the city and Jennifer Chelstad leading the local team, the agency is well-positioned to help brands navigate the Pacific Northwest market with smart, targeted influencer campaigns.
Beyond growth, Heit’s leadership is about evolution. Allison has consistently been recognized as a leading agency in communications, expanding its capabilities while maintaining its midsized agility—a rare balance in today’s marketing world.
6. Andrew Cross & Dave Parro
Andrew Cross and Dave Parro have transformed Walker Sands into a top-tier B2B marketing powerhouse, combining influencer marketing, PR, branding, and digital strategy to help businesses turn audiences into advocates.
Cross, who started at Walker Sands over a decade ago, climbed the ranks from an entry-level PR role to Co-CEO, proving that strategic thinking and creative execution can open big doors. His background includes working with high-profile brands like Grubhub, Sprout Social, and Hyperwallet, bringing storytelling and credibility to tech-driven companies.
Parro, a former journalist-turned-marketing strategist, joined the agency in 2012 and played a pivotal role in scaling operations, integrating new technology, and refining client services. His expertise in data-driven marketing and operational excellence has made Walker Sands one of the fastest-growing agencies in the industry—recognized by Inc. 5000 for ten consecutive years.
Walker Sands’ Seattle office, launched in 2018, has become a critical hub under the leadership of Annie Gudorf, delivering tailored influencer campaigns that connect brands with the right industry voices. Their approach is rooted in authenticity, ensuring influencer partnerships don’t just generate buzz but also drive long-term engagement and trust.
With multiple industry awards, an expanding national presence, and a track record of helping B2B brands break through the noise, Cross and Parro aren’t just running Walker Sands—they’re redefining B2B influencer marketing.
7. Rion Haber
With nearly two decades of experience, Haber’s expertise spans from helping startups find their voice to guiding enterprise brands through complex digital landscapes. His career began in New York City, where he was at the forefront of new media strategies, helping brands navigate the evolving digital world. Now, as a Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Catalyst Marketing Agency, he’s taking a data-driven, audience-first approach to influencer marketing.
At Catalyst, influencer marketing isn’t about follower counts—it’s about finding the right voices, regardless of age or background, to create real connections. The agency’s approach is rooted in authenticity and strategic placement, ensuring brands don’t just reach people but convert them into brand advocates.
Beyond leading strategy, Haber has bootstrapped Catalyst from $0 to $5 million in recurring revenue, managed over $25 million in client budgets, and launched 500+ integrated campaigns across industries. His leadership has earned Catalyst 20+ industry awards, cementing its reputation as a go-to agency for brands looking to scale.
With an eye on marketing’s future and a belief that great brands are built through community, not just campaigns, Rion Haber is redefining influencer marketing in Seattle and beyond—one strategic, high-impact campaign at a time.
8. Benjamin Kaplan
Ben Kaplan is also the mastermind behind TOP Agency, a global marketing network spanning 12 specialized agencies, covering everything from PR and influencer marketing to data-driven political advocacy.
With a Harvard-trained economics background, Kaplan doesn’t just guess what works—he tests, optimizes, and perfects. His agency uses a data-first approach to influencer marketing, ensuring that campaigns don’t just generate buzz but drive real business impact. Whether it’s identifying the right influencers, crafting high-converting narratives, or measuring engagement with proprietary analytics tools, Kaplan’s methodology ensures that every campaign is ROI-driven.
But Kaplan isn’t just behind the scenes—he’s in front of the conversation. As host of the BRANDED podcast, he regularly interviews industry leaders on the future of marketing, storytelling, and brand influence. His insights have landed him on over 5,000 TV and radio shows, including Oprah and Good Morning America, making him one of the most recognized thought leaders in the marketing space.
TOP Agency’s Seattle office plays a key role in shaping the city's influencer marketing landscape, blending creative storytelling with data-backed strategy to help brands cut through the noise.
9. Justin Hayashi
When Justin Hayashi co-founded New Engen, he wasn’t just building another digital marketing firm—he was redefining how brands scale with performance-driven strategies. Now, as CEO, he has transformed New Engen into a marketing powerhouse, integrating creative innovation, deep analytics, and influencer marketing to help brands grow smarter and faster.
A key moment in Hayashi’s leadership came in January 2022, when New Engen acquired Acorn Influence, a major player in influencer marketing. This strategic move didn’t just expand New Engen’s offerings—it merged performance media expertise with influencer-driven storytelling, creating a holistic marketing approach where influencer content is seamlessly optimized for reach, engagement, and measurable business impact.
With its headquarters in Seattle, New Engen is at the center of cutting-edge digital marketing innovation. Under Hayashi’s leadership, the agency has become known for its data-backed influencer strategies, ensuring brands don’t just work with influencers—they work with the right influencers, on the right platforms, with the right messaging to drive real results.
Hayashi’s expertise in performance media, measurement, and business strategy has positioned New Engen as an industry leader. He’s a thought leader in digital marketing, emphasizing that success isn’t just about visibility—it’s about accountability and impact.
Seattle’s CEOs Driving the Future of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing isn’t just about viral moments—it’s about strategy, execution, and the visionaries behind the scenes. The CEOs of Seattle’s top marketing firms are redefining how brands engage audiences, blending creativity with data-driven insights to craft campaigns that resonate.
Whether it's performance-driven influencer services at New Engen or viral storytelling from PR Hacker, these leaders are shaping the industry's next chapter. As social media continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Seattle’s influencer marketing CEOs are not just keeping up—they’re setting the pace, proving that the right strategy can turn any brand into an icon.
