During the Super Bowl XLVII blackout, with millions of viewers staring at a dark screen, Oreo did something no brand had ever done before—it seized the moment. "You can still dunk in the dark," they tweeted. Simple. Clever. Perfectly timed. Within minutes, the tweet went viral, earning more than 15,000 retweets and turning a 108-year-old cookie into the poster child of real-time marketing.
Behind the genius? Atlanta-based agency 360i—a powerhouse in social media strategy that set a new gold standard for how brands interact with culture in real-time. This wasn’t just a tweet; it was a seismic shift in how marketing agencies operate.
But who’s calling the shots? Who are the visionaries shaping the future of social media marketing in Atlanta? Here are the top 8 CEOs of social media marketing agencies in Atlanta.
Top CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in Atlanta
In Atlanta’s competitive digital marketing landscape, several CEOs are setting the bar high for social media marketing excellence. These visionary leaders are revolutionizing the industry with innovative strategies that help brands build lasting connections with their audiences.
1. Keith Kakadia
Keith Kakadia has solidified his position as one of Atlanta’s most innovative social media marketing leaders ever since founding Sociallyin back in 2011. During his time at the agency, Kakadia turned SociallyIn into a full-service powerhouse, specializing in content creation, community management, and influencer marketing for medium and large brands.
But not only that, Kakadia has built a diverse portfolio, working with over 150 clients, including major names like Dick’s Sporting Goods and TGI Fridays. His deep understanding of social media platforms and trends enables him to develop highly dynamic, data-driven strategies that achieve the client's long-term success goals.
Kakadia's entrepreneurial spirit, which sparked at a young age, has fueled Sociallyin’s rapid growth. This success is a direct result of Kakadia’s philosophy: engagement is key. He believes that real-time interaction with audiences is essential for effective social media marketing.
Not only is Kakadia leading a top agency, but he’s also shaping the industry itself. As the organizer of The Southern Social Summit (S3), one of the largest social media marketing conferences in the Southern U.S., he’s committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of digital marketers.
A frequent voice in the social media space, Kakadia shares insights and trends through LinkedIn, positioning himself as a thought leader in an ever-evolving industry. With his unwavering drive and expertise, Keith Kakadia is undeniably a standout figure among Atlanta’s social media marketing CEOs.
2. Sean Standberry
Few marketers understand the power of social media like Sean Standberry. As the driving force behind Lyfe Marketing, he has helped transform small and mid-sized businesses by turning engagement into measurable growth. What started as a passion for digital connections in 2011 has grown into one of Atlanta’s leading social media agencies, with Standberry at the helm.
His background in accounting gives him a sharp eye for ROI, ensuring every campaign isn’t just creative but also financially strategic. By focusing on authentic engagement rather than vanity metrics, he’s built an agency that doesn’t just post content but fosters conversations that drive real business impact.
Standberry’s entrepreneurial journey began with Voice of Atlanta, a Twitter account that gained 30,000 followers—a proof of concept that social media could be leveraged for business success. That early success paved the way for Lyfe Marketing, which has since scaled to serve over 100 businesses across industries, earning a reputation for innovative and results-driven campaigns.
Clients consistently praise his team’s ability to deliver high-impact social strategies, and under his leadership, the agency continues to evolve with the digital landscape. His passion for continuous learning and hands-on leadership ensures Lyfe Marketing remains ahead of the curve, making him a key player in Atlanta’s social media scene.
3. Atul Singh
Atul Singh, the CEO of The Shelf, is a key player in the dynamic world of social media marketing, particularly in influencer-driven campaigns. Under his visionary leadership, The Shelf has transformed influencer marketing into a data-first powerhouse, marrying creativity with actionable insights.
Singh's most notable innovation is the development of Interest Graph Marketing, a data-driven approach that maps consumer interests and optimizes influencer campaigns accordingly. This forward-thinking strategy allows brands to not only engage their audience creatively but also drive measurable conversions — a crucial metric in today's ROI-focused landscape.
Beyond creativity, Singh’s strategic foresight has propelled The Shelf to partner with tech giants like Button, integrating AI-driven tools to offer real-time sales attribution. This partnership ensures clients can track influencer-driven sales down to SKU-level purchases, enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of campaigns.
A standout feature of Singh's leadership is his emphasis on the creator economy. He’s positioned The Shelf as a bridge between influencer marketing and retail media, showcasing how influencer campaigns can impact purchase behavior. The agency’s success in collaborating with major brands like Uniqlo and Sam’s Club highlights Singh's knack for scaling influencer campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
His innovative approach has earned The Shelf multiple recognitions, including four appearances on the Inc. 5000 list.
4. Jared Belsky
Jared Belsky introduced a pioneering, client-first approach to influencer marketing at Acadia, an approach that ensured businesses that are often overlooked by big agencies get the attention and expertise they need to thrive.
His experience is rooted in industry giants like 360i, where he served as CEO and helped earn the agency multiple accolades, including Adweek's Breakthrough Media Agency of the Year. Under his leadership, 360i also landed a coveted spot on AdAge’s A-List for eight consecutive years, a testament to his ability to drive impact at scale.
Belsky’s expertise spans performance marketing, analytics, and media, making him a go-to advisor for brands looking to maximize their digital presence. His work with major names like Coca-Cola and Avenue A (now SapientRazorfish) cemented his reputation as a leader who understands both creative storytelling and data-driven growth.
Beyond his agency work, he’s a published author, with bestsellers like You Get the Agency You Deserve and The Great Client Partner, offering a roadmap for better client-agency relationships. His leadership has earned him recognition on AdAge’s 40 Under 40 and Campaign’s 40 Over 40 lists, solidifying his influence in the marketing space.
With a reputation for transparency, innovation, and strategic execution, Belsky continues to push Acadia—and the broader digital marketing industry—toward smarter, more impactful solutions.
5. Christopher Crawford
Christopher Crawford has made a significant impact on the digital marketing space, especially within the competitive Atlanta market. Under his leadership, AdToro has grown into a trusted agency known for delivering measurable and innovative results across SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media management. With a hands-on approach, Crawford has fostered a team culture that prioritizes problem-solving and client success, often addressing potential challenges before they arise.
Crawford’s leadership style is described as energetic and passionate, infusing the team with an unwavering commitment to delivering results. Clients consistently rave about the team’s proactive communication, seamless project management, and ability to exceed expectations with both speed and precision.
What sets Crawford apart is his ability to blend creativity with data. His agency doesn’t just focus on industry-specific expertise; AdToro's versatility shines through, working with clients across diverse sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, and real estate. This wide-ranging experience allows Crawford to push boundaries and adapt to the unique needs of each client, making AdToro a top choice for businesses looking to enhance their digital presence.
Beyond his work at AdToro, Crawford’s entrepreneurial spirit shines with Babbily, an AI platform he co-founded, further showcasing his commitment to innovation. His reputation as a visionary and strategic leader solidifies AdToro’s place among the top digital marketing agencies in Atlanta.
6. Ken Holsclaw
Ken Holsclaw is the visionary CEO and co-founder of Phase 3, a full-service agency based in Atlanta. Phase 3 is a leading force in digital marketing, employing over 200 specialists across multiple U.S. cities. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to drive both innovation and expansion, Ken has positioned the agency as a powerhouse in the marketing industry.
Since co-founding Phase 3 in 2001, Ken has played a pivotal role in its evolution, leading the company through several acquisitions that have expanded its service offerings and talent pool. His ability to integrate various marketing disciplines, especially social media, with traditional PR tactics has been crucial in positioning the agency as a key player in building strong, dynamic brand experiences.
Ken's leadership approach is rooted in a commitment to hiring top talent and delivering personalized, results-driven solutions for clients. Under his guidance, Phase 3 has excelled in utilizing social media as a critical tool for brand positioning and client engagement across a variety of industries, including hospitality, real estate, and B2B sectors.
Phase 3’s success and recognition, including multiple appearances in the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Pacesetter Awards, reflect Ken’s dedication to not only adapting to emerging marketing trends but also setting them.
7. Arielle Burnette
Arielle H. Burnette has made a lasting impact on Atlanta’s social media marketing scene thanks to his leadership role at The Burnette Agency. His work mostly involves transforming businesses of all sizes, from startups to nonprofits, by delivering targeted digital marketing campaigns that drive real growth.
With a strong emphasis on results, her agency has become a trusted partner for social media marketing, public relations, event marketing, and creative services. Her strategic approach helped Abbadabba’s Cool Shoes shift from traditional advertising to a high-impact social media presence, while her media outreach efforts for TechBridge led to a 200% spike in website traffic.
Clients consistently praise her ability to merge high-quality content—photography, videography, and social media strategies—into campaigns that generate tangible ROI. Her work has propelled brands to the forefront of their industries, with businesses crediting her agency for revitalizing their marketing efforts and positioning them as market leaders.
FuzziBunz Diapers, Lewis & Sheron Textiles, and a host of other brands have benefited from her expertise in crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Burnette’s reputation for excellence and innovation continues to cement her status as one of Atlanta’s most influential marketing leaders.
8. Evan Newsome
Evan Newsome's work at Sailorface Video has turned storytelling into a strategic tactic, delivering high-quality, scalable video content that elevates brand visibility and engagement across platforms.
Rather than relying on a traditional agency structure, his business model integrates a flexible network of freelancers with an in-house team, allowing for rapid adaptation to client needs. This innovative approach ensures every project receives a custom mix of talent while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. From video production and graphic design to event coverage and digital advertising, his agency provides comprehensive solutions for brands looking to make an impact.
His leadership style ensures the smooth execution of even the most ambitious projects. Clients—from SweetWater Brewery to Kaizen Analytix—praise his hands-on approach and ability to guide them through each stage of production, resulting in dynamic, high-converting content.
With a portfolio featuring collaborations with major brands like Uniball UK and DreamHack ATL, Newsome has positioned Sailorface Video as a top-tier player in the industry. His commitment to innovation and storytelling keeps his agency ahead of the curve, making him a standout leader in Atlanta’s social media marketing landscape.
Leading the Charge in Social Media Marketing Innovation
The CEOs of social media marketing firms in Atlanta are redefining how brands connect with audiences in today’s digital-first world. From Atul Singh's data-driven influencer strategies at The Shelf to Evan Newsome's creative video production leadership at Sailorface Video, these visionary CEOs are not only adapting to trends but shaping them.
Their innovative approaches have propelled their firms to the forefront, making them pivotal players in the industry. As social media marketing continues to evolve, these leaders will undoubtedly remain at the helm, driving the future of digital engagement with groundbreaking campaigns and strategies.
