She didn’t set a timer. She didn’t check the clock. She just hit play. And in that moment, Barilla turned a simple kitchen task into one of the most genius social media campaigns Milan had ever seen.
In 2021, as home cooking content flooded social media, Barilla asked a simple yet brilliant question: What if boiling pasta wasn’t just about waiting—it was an experience? Enter Playlist Timer, a social media campaign that transformed pasta cooking into a perfectly timed musical journey. By launching custom Spotify playlists that matched the exact cooking time of different pasta types, Barilla made sure that when the music stopped, your pasta was al dente. The idea was effortless, easily shareable, and irresistibly fun. And just like that, a kitchen routine became a viral sensation.
This wasn’t just about pasta. It was about how Milanese marketing minds shape culture—understanding psychology, trends, and the art of making a moment stick. Behind every groundbreaking campaign in Milan, there’s a CEO who saw the opportunity before anyone else did.
Meet the Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Agencies in Milan—the masterminds who don’t just create campaigns, they create conversations.
Top CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in Milan
In the fast-paced world of social media marketing, a select group of visionary CEOs in Milan are setting the standard for innovation and digital engagement. These leaders are transforming brands through cutting-edge strategies, data-driven campaigns, and creative storytelling, making their firms the go-to agencies for businesses looking to thrive in the digital landscape.
1. Christoph Kastenholz
The world of influencer marketing is constantly evolving, but few have mastered the space like Christoph Kastenholz. His vision for authentic, results-driven brand collaborations led to the founding of Pulse Advertising, an agency that has grown into a global powerhouse with a strong foothold in Milan.
His strategic approach to influencer marketing has earned him industry recognition, including a coveted spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018. Beyond running an agency, he’s a respected speaker, sharing insights on the future of marketing at TEDx, Online Marketing Rockstars, and prestigious institutions like NYU and Bocconi.
Under his leadership, Pulse Advertising has remained fiercely independent—no external investors, no network ownership—allowing for an unfiltered, creative-first approach that puts clients’ success above all else. From fashion to luxury and lifestyle brands, the agency’s Milan office plays a pivotal role in shaping digital storytelling for brands that want more than just visibility—they want measurable impact.
2. Massimiliano Barone
Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword for Massimiliano Barone—it’s his expertise. For over a decade, he has been helping businesses leverage technology to optimize their social media marketing, CRM, and automation efforts. His deep understanding of both IT and business process digitization has positioned Ekeria as one of Milan’s top digital agencies, offering brands a seamless way to integrate their online presence with real-world business growth.
His ability to merge marketing with operational efficiency is what makes his approach stand out. While many agencies focus on engagement metrics, Barone ensures that brands turn digital interactions into long-term customer relationships. Whether through data-driven social media strategies, CRM automation, or revenue operations, his work empowers businesses to market smarter, not just harder.
Beyond social media, Ekeria’s expansion into web development and software solutions has further cemented its reputation as a go-to agency for digital transformation. A strategic partnership with HubSpot has strengthened its expertise in revenue operations and field service management, providing brands with a complete ecosystem for business growth.
With over 20 years of experience in multinational corporations before launching his own ventures, Barone has built a career on innovation.
3. Chris Lewis and Samuel Dean
For Chris Lewis and Samuel Dean, marketing is more than just a business—it’s a platform for impact. Their work at TEAM LEWIS goes beyond social media strategy, integrating purpose-driven storytelling with digital campaigns that drive real change.
Chris Lewis, the agency’s founder, has built TEAM LEWIS into a global force known for its creative and strategic excellence. His belief that marketing should democratize creativity through technology has helped brands break through the noise in an increasingly crowded digital space.
Meanwhile, Samuel Dean, as CEO of the TEAM LEWIS Foundation, has taken the agency’s mission beyond marketing. Under his leadership, the foundation has supported over 1,500 community initiatives worldwide, proving that a successful brand isn’t just about revenue—it’s about responsibility. By combining marketing expertise with a commitment to positive change, they’ve redefined what it means to be a modern agency.
With 26 offices across Asia, Europe, and North America, including a key presence in Milan, TEAM LEWIS has become the go-to partner for brands looking to make an impact. Their ability to blend influencer marketing, social media strategy, and creative storytelling ensures that clients don’t just reach audiences—they connect with them on a deeper level.
4. Paul West
Driving digital transformation in hospitality and luxury branding is no easy feat, but Paul West has made it his expertise. With over two decades of experience, he has built Ignite Creates into a global leader in digital marketing, seamlessly merging strategy, creativity, and technology to deliver tangible business results.
His insights extend beyond marketing campaigns—West has established himself as a trusted advisor to top CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs, helping them turn digital engagement into long-term revenue streams. His focus? Identifying what makes a brand truly compelling and translating that essence into social media, paid advertising, and CRM strategies that convert.
With offices in London, Florida, and Milan, Ignite Creates has built a strong presence in key global markets, offering brands a strategic edge in high-competition industries. In Milan, the agency specializes in high-impact social media campaigns, particularly for the hospitality and luxury sectors, leveraging Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to drive results.
West’s influence extends beyond Ignite. As the founder of Fuse, a next-gen e-commerce platform for hospitality brands, and Ignite Ventures, a seed-stage investment firm, he’s continuously shaping the future of digital business.
5. Victor Knaap
Some leaders adapt to the future of marketing—Victor Knaap is building it. His journey with Monks has transformed a once-small creative production studio into one of the most influential digital-first agencies in the world. His philosophy? Faster, smarter, and data-driven marketing that cuts through the clutter.
Knaap’s leadership was instrumental in Monks’ groundbreaking merger with S4Capital, the disruptive advertising firm led by Sir Martin Sorrell. This union has redefined agency structures, breaking down silos to create a fluid, integrated approach to brand storytelling, social media, and performance-driven marketing.
Milan has played a critical role in Monks’ expansion, particularly following the agency’s merger with Miyagi, one of Italy’s top creative firms. This move strengthened the agency’s content and digital capabilities, making Milan a central hub for immersive social media campaigns and cutting-edge brand activations.
Across two decades, Knaap has led Monks to rack up over 250 FWAs and 131 Cannes Lions, proving that creative excellence and performance-driven marketing can go hand in hand.
6. Roberto Botto
Navigating the evolving digital landscape requires both creativity and precision—two qualities that define Roberto Botto’s leadership. As the driving force behind Bebit, he has built a creative agency that merges strategy, design, and media to create impactful brand experiences.
Beyond Bebit, Botto has expanded his reach as CEO of Libera Brand Building Group, overseeing a network of agencies that specialize in integrated marketing and communications. His ability to bridge traditional branding with modern digital strategies has made him a key player in Italy’s marketing ecosystem.
In 2017, he launched Inthezon, a consulting firm designed to help brands maximize their performance on Amazon, proving that his expertise goes beyond social media—it extends into e-commerce dominance as well. His Milan-based team at Bebit specializes in data-driven influencer marketing, community management, and content creation across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, ensuring brands maintain relevance and visibility in a crowded space.
From consulting for household names like Vallé to driving cutting-edge Amazon strategies, Botto’s influence is woven into the fabric of Italy’s digital marketing evolution.
7. Sandro Marchetti
Experiential marketing isn’t just a concept for Sandro Marchetti—it’s the foundation of his career. With over two decades in digital strategy, he has built IAKI into one of Milan’s most innovative agencies, seamlessly blending digital, social, and offline experiences to drive meaningful engagement.
Since founding IAKI in 1996, Marchetti has been a pioneer in social media marketing, working with brands to craft campaigns that do more than just generate clicks—they create lasting connections. From crafting Aperol Spritz’s standout digital presence to shaping cultural engagement strategies, his agency has become a trusted partner for brands looking to push creative boundaries.
Recognizing the next wave of digital marketing, he founded Cimiciurri in 2020, an agency focused on Gen Z and young millennial marketing. This forward-thinking move positioned him as a leader in youth marketing. By 2024, both IAKI and Cimiciurri joined forces with We Are Family, the world’s largest agency group specializing in kids, youth, and family marketing. Now, as CEO of We Are Family Italy, Marchetti is redefining brand engagement for younger demographics.
With a background in sales, telecommunications, and digital marketing, his expertise spans multiple industries, allowing him to craft tailored strategies that drive measurable impact.
8. Guido Pezzino
Marketing is evolving, and Guido Pezzino is ensuring it evolves with purpose. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Gag, he has created one of Milan’s most forward-thinking digital communication agencies, blending performance-driven marketing with sustainability and ethical business practices.
His leadership has guided Gag toward a unique distinction—it became a Società Benefit (Benefit Corporation) in 2021, embedding social and environmental responsibility into its core operations. This isn’t just a statement—it’s a fundamental shift in how the agency approaches branding, campaign development, and client collaborations.
Gag specializes in social media strategy, influencer marketing, and content creation, all designed with an ethical approach. Rather than prioritizing clicks and impressions alone, Pezzino ensures every campaign aligns with values that resonate with today’s conscious consumers. The agency’s roster includes major names like ActionAid, Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition, and the United Nations, proving its ability to craft campaigns that drive both engagement and meaningful impact.
His commitment to fostering a balanced work environment is also a rare standout in the high-intensity marketing industry. By prioritizing employee well-being alongside client success, Pezzino has built a sustainable business model that redefines what it means to be a responsible agency leader.
Shaping Milan’s Digital Future: The CEOs Leading Social Media Marketing Firms
The landscape of social media marketing in Milan is being shaped by visionary CEOs who are redefining brand engagement in the digital age. These industry leaders—through innovation, strategic foresight, and cutting-edge campaigns—are not only growing their firms but also transforming how businesses connect with audiences.
From influencer marketing to experiential campaigns, they are leveraging technology, data, and creativity to drive meaningful impact. As brands continue to evolve in a hyper-connected world, these CEOs stand at the forefront, proving that social media marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about building lasting relationships and digital communities that matter.
