A dynamic wave of excitement once swept through Hamburg, thanks to an innovative campaign that highlighted the city’s rich cultural diversity. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media and Hamburg Marketing, the “Mixing is Possible” initiative encouraged both locals and visitors to explore the city’s hidden cultural gems—from art exhibits to intimate dance performances.
What made this campaign truly stand out? Its clever, social-first approach, which utilized Instagram and public spaces to craft an interactive experience tailored to the city’s youth.
The campaign’s strategic brilliance lay in blending traditional cultural experiences with modern, fresh concepts. By harnessing the power of influencer marketing, the initiative reached new heights. Local collaborations, engaging competitions, and user-generated content helped bridge the gap between Hamburg's art scene and its vibrant online community.
The involvement of social media influencers was key, allowing the campaign to speak directly to a young, trend-savvy audience who thrives on digital interaction. It’s a perfect example of how influencer marketing has become an essential tool in shaping cultural narratives.
As we reflect on the success of this past campaign, it’s clear that behind such impactful digital strategies are the leaders driving social media marketing in Hamburg. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top 8 CEOs from Hamburg’s social media marketing agencies who continue to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity in the digital space.
Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in Hamburg
Hamburg is home to some of the most influential CEOs in the social media marketing industry, leading dynamic agencies that are transforming how brands connect with audiences. Below, we highlight the top CEOs driving innovation and success in Hamburg’s thriving digital marketing scene.
1. Jan Clauß
Jan Clauß, CEO and Co-Founder of Media by Nature, has established himself as a key figure in the Hamburg social media marketing scene. Since the agency's inception in 2016, Clauß has driven its success by prioritizing data-driven strategies that combine content creation with media for maximum brand impact. Under his leadership, Media by Nature has become a certified Meta Business Partner and TikTok Marketing Partner, further solidifying its expertise in platform-specific marketing.
What truly sets Clauß apart is his unwavering focus on collaboration over ego. His philosophy — “Collaboration is better than egoism” — is embedded in the agency's approach, emphasizing community dialogue and partnership over one-way brand communication. This collaborative mindset has led to successful campaigns for notable clients, including Lufthansa and Hagebau, showcasing his ability to integrate both creativity and performance to achieve tangible results.
Clauß's leadership is also evident in Media by Nature's innovative content strategies, particularly in formats like vertical videos and Instagram Story Ads, ensuring clients stay ahead of evolving trends. With services ranging from brand strategy to performance marketing, the agency offers a comprehensive approach to social media that fosters genuine engagement rather than just fleeting impressions.
Through his extensive experience in performance marketing and social media, Clauß continues to prove that the right balance of creativity, data, and collaboration can drive success in the ever-changing digital landscape.
2. Dag Oellerking
Since its founding, Effektor has worked with a range of clients, from small startups to established companies. Notable brands like Herrenhaus Stockelsdorf, BVO INNOVATE FINANCE, and Kochfabrik have all benefited from the agency’s expertise in crafting tailored strategies, creating stunning websites, and enhancing online visibility through SEO and SEA.
The man leading Effektor, Dag Oellerking, has become a standout in Hamburg's highly competitive digital and social marketing scene. As the CEO, his main focus is to develop strategic online marketing solutions that transcend traditional marketing initiatives. Thanks to his expertise, Effektor offers a full-service approach, which includes everything from social media to SEO. Under Dag’s leadership, the agency has built a track record of creating user-friendly and effective digital solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.
What truly sets Dag apart is his unwavering commitment to combining creativity with technical expertise. Effektor is not just about delivering aesthetically pleasing designs but ensuring that each digital solution drives tangible results for clients. With a deep understanding of both usability and performance, Dag has positioned the agency as a leader in the Hamburg market.
Dag’s vision and hands-on approach have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in Effektor’s success. As digital marketing continues to evolve, his leadership ensures the agency remains at the forefront of industry trends, helping clients thrive in a rapidly changing online environment.
3. Stefanie Polster
Since co-founding rock&stars in 2015, Stefanie Polster has focused on driving disruptive creativity, ensuring her team delivers innovative marketing solutions tailored to each brand’s unique needs. Under her leadership, rock&stars has become a prominent player in Hamburg’s marketing scene, with a client portfolio that spans various industries and includes modern companies looking to scale as well as traditional brands undergoing transformation.
Stefanie’s approach centers on sustainability, both in terms of business growth and societal impact. Her dedication to integrating social responsibility with economic success is reflected in the agency’s commitment to limiting global warming and promoting sustainable practices. In addition to developing cutting-edge marketing strategies, rock&stars also champions diversity, inclusion, and a leadership culture that aligns with long-term growth and responsibility.
With a focus on data-driven solutions, rock&stars excels in areas such as performance marketing, design, content creation, and digital strategy. The agency’s ability to seamlessly integrate these elements has earned its recognition as a Kununu Top Company in 2023, signaling both employee satisfaction and industry trust.
Stefanie’s background spans several leadership roles, including her time at yourfone and klarmobil, which has given her a well-rounded understanding of modern communication. Her passion for leadership, combined with her innovative thinking, positions her as one of Hamburg’s top CEOs in the social media and digital marketing industry, creating lasting value and impact for brands around the world.
4. Alexander Malter
With a deep background in classical advertising and a strong focus on social media, Agentur Alexanderplatz specializes in performance marketing, content creation, and social media management. But who's the visionary CEO behind the agency? That would be Alexander Malter.
Malter has been shaping Hamburg’s digital marketing scene for over two decades. Since launching the agency in 2004, Alexander has led his team in creating engaging, results-driven social media campaigns for a diverse array of clients. Known for his unique ability to blend traditional advertising methods with modern digital strategies, he has helped brands navigate the evolving landscape of online marketing.
Alexander’s expertise extends beyond agency management; he has also made significant contributions to the education sector. As a lecturer and keynote speaker, he shares his extensive knowledge of digital marketing, media strategy, and content marketing with students and industry professionals alike. His passion for educating the next generation of marketers underscores his commitment to the future of the industry.
With a proven track record of fostering meaningful brand engagement through creative campaigns, Alexander Malter stands out as one of the top CEOs in Hamburg’s social media marketing scene. His ability to integrate digital marketing with broader communication strategies has made Agentur Alexanderplatz a go-to agency for brands looking to build a lasting presence in the digital world.
5. Serhat Kaya
Since founding XPERIENTS in 2016, Serhat Kaya has focused on creating tailored digital experiences that not only look great but drive real business results. His hands-on, collaborative approach to working with clients has allowed him to consistently exceed expectations, making him a true partner in their digital journeys. Kaya doesn’t just deliver services; he helps businesses transform their digital presence through strategic insights, personalized service, and innovative marketing.
Kaya’s leadership extends beyond XPERIENTS. His active involvement in the startup ecosystem, including co-founding the Hamburg Chapter of Startup Grind, highlights his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. As the host of the “Growth Show” podcast, he regularly engages with thought leaders, sharing valuable business insights with a global audience.
XPERIENTS is renowned for its comprehensive digital offerings, including social media marketing, SEO, and online shop development. Kaya’s ability to merge design and performance, while fostering a culture of transparency and open communication, has helped the agency build a loyal clientele, including well-known brands like UNDERDOCKS and Dentalnord.
Serhat Kaya’s unwavering passion for entrepreneurship and digital innovation makes him a standout leader in Hamburg's competitive social media marketing sector. His commitment to growth—both personal and professional—ensures that XPERIENTS remains a force to be reckoned with in the digital agency landscape.
6. Stephan Sigloch
Stephan Sigloch’s leadership at KlickPiloten has truly transformed the agency into a key player in digital marketing, with a focus on performance-driven strategies and e-commerce excellence. Under his guidance, KlickPiloten has grown from a startup to a well-established agency, now serving a diverse range of B2B and B2C clients across Germany, including notable names such as Märklin and Eberspächer.
With over two decades of experience in online marketing, Sigloch has honed his expertise in SEO, SEA, and digital analytics, delivering impactful results for clients by combining strategic vision with technical know-how. His impressive background includes a blend of executive roles, advisory positions, and hands-on experience in e-commerce, making him a well-rounded digital marketing expert.
What sets Sigloch apart is his commitment to innovation and continuous learning, as demonstrated by KlickPiloten’s certifications, including Google Premier Partner status. He is also deeply involved in the digital community, sharing his insights at prominent events like DMEXCO and SEO Stammtisch, while mentoring future marketers through academic roles.
Sigloch’s leadership has not only driven KlickPiloten’s success but also earned the company recognition as one of Germany’s top mid-sized employers. His blend of technical expertise, visionary leadership, and a customer-centric approach makes him a standout CEO in Hamburg’s competitive social media marketing scene.
7. Axel Schönau
Axel Schönau, CEO of PIA Media, is a visionary leader in the competitive landscape of Hamburg's digital marketing scene. With over 15 years of experience in digital media and performance marketing, Axel’s leadership is deeply rooted in data-driven strategies and AI-powered solutions. Under his guidance, PIA Media has grown into one of Germany’s largest digital media agencies, employing over 400 experts across various disciplines.
Axel’s approach centers on one thing: business impact. He places customer goals at the forefront, ensuring that every marketing initiative aligns with measurable outcomes. This laser focus has enabled PIA Media to excel across a variety of services, from performance marketing to digital consulting and full-funnel strategies. Notably, under his direction, PIA Media successfully integrated creative and digital consulting arms, like PIA NORDPOL+ and yz Digital, further enhancing their holistic service offerings.
His leadership style is characterized by fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. Axel’s commitment to cross-channel strategies, coupled with an emphasis on leveraging cutting-edge advertising technologies, sets PIA Media apart in a fast-evolving industry. Notably, PIA Media recently secured a significant contract with AOK, Germany's largest health insurance provider, solidifying Axel’s reputation as a key player in the digital space.
As a hands-on CEO, Axel Schönau’s dedication to customer success, employee empowerment, and driving innovation continues to shape PIA Media’s strategic trajectory. With his focus on performance marketing and AI, Axel is paving the way for a future where data and creativity merge seamlessly, elevating brands to new heights.
8. Kai Hammler
With over nine years of experience in the digital economy, Kai Hammler has driven WVNDERLAB’s growth by focusing on data-driven strategies, SEO, SEM, and the integration of AI tools into digital marketing processes. Under his leadership, WVNDERLAB has carved out a reputation for delivering high-impact, tailored social media campaigns that elevate brands across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
What sets Kai apart is his unwavering commitment to creating customized, digital solutions that align with his clients’ business goals. From web design and software development to social media advertising, he leads a team of over 50 experts who specialize in crafting unique, results-oriented campaigns. His ability to develop proprietary AI-powered tools for social media content creation and optimization has positioned WVNDERLAB as a forward-thinking player in the digital marketing space.
Kai's leadership style emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, which are reflected in the agency’s collaborative approach and multicultural client base. With partnerships with major social platforms and multilingual services, WVNDERLAB caters to both local and international clients with precision.
In addition to his business acumen, Kai is dedicated to sustainability, ensuring the agency offsets its CO2 footprint each year while operating through climate-neutral work processes. This forward-thinking approach, coupled with his expertise in growth marketing and digital transformation, makes Kai Hammler a standout leader in Hamburg’s digital marketing scene.
Visionary CEOs Shaping Social Media Marketing in Hamburg
Hamburg’s social media marketing landscape is powered by visionary CEOs leading innovative firms that are shaping the future of digital engagement. These industry pioneers are driving creative, data-driven campaigns that elevate brands and foster lasting connections with their audiences.
From strategic influencer partnerships to cutting-edge content creation, the CEOs highlighted in this article are redefining how businesses use social media to thrive. With their leadership, these firms in Hamburg continue to set the standard for success in social media marketing, making them key players on both the national and global stage.
