San Francisco, once the crown jewel of innovation and tourism, was now a headline for all the wrong reasons. And then, a bold campaign hit the digital sphere: Always San Francisco.
In a city grappling with its image, the San Francisco Travel Association didn’t just launch a marketing campaign; they launched a battle cry. A $6 million social media blitz spread across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, flooding timelines with golden-hour drone shots of the Golden Gate, artists reclaiming the streets, and food that made you taste the city through a screen. This wasn’t damage control—it was storytelling at its finest. It was a declaration that San Francisco was and always will be, an electric, living, breathing force.
Behind every seismic shift in social media marketing, there are architects—visionaries who see beyond the algorithm and into the cultural pulse. The CEOs leading San Francisco’s top social media marketing agencies are the minds behind campaigns that redefine brands, ignite conversations, and turn perceptions upside down. Let’s meet them.
Top CEOs of Social Media Marketing Firms in San Francisco
In a city where innovation meets storytelling, these CEOs are the driving force behind the most influential social media marketing firms. From data-driven campaigns to bold brand transformations, they are reshaping how businesses connect with audiences in the digital age.
1. Jay Ives
Jay Ives is the Founder & CEO of Jives Media, an award-winning agency that blends data-driven strategies with creative execution, helping brands cut through the digital noise and drive real results.
His journey? A masterclass in marketing leadership. Before launching Jives Media, Jay sharpened his expertise at unicorn startups like Poshmark and Thumbtack, leading initiatives that skyrocketed customer engagement and revenue. His ability to merge analytics with storytelling has not only fueled business growth but also earned him a spot on Forbes' 30 Under 30—a testament to his industry impact.
But what truly sets Jay apart is his people-first philosophy. His three guiding principles—making clients the rockstars, delivering transparent, high-quality work, and always learning and giving back—aren’t just words; they’re the foundation of Jives Media’s success.
Under Jay’s leadership, Jives Media has been recognized by Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Thumbtack as a powerhouse in digital marketing. Whether it’s crafting high-converting campaigns, optimizing brand visibility, or driving multi-million-dollar growth, Jay and his team don’t just follow trends—they set them.
2. Ken Baker
As the Founder & CEO of Metric Theory, Ken has transformed the agency into an award-winning powerhouse, known for its data-driven approach and ability to unlock unexpected growth for brands.
With over a decade of leadership in performance marketing, Ken’s expertise goes beyond strategy—he’s built a company that delivers measurable results. Under his guidance, Metric Theory has partnered with top-tier brands like GoFundMe, FabFitFun, Optimizely, and Zenefits, helping them scale across digital platforms with precision and impact. His ability to craft high-performing digital strategies has even earned Metric Theory the title of 2019 SEM Agency of the Year—a testament to the agency’s excellence in search engine marketing.
But it’s not just clients who are thriving—Ken’s leadership is winning over his team, too. With a 96% CEO approval rating, he’s not only driving business success but also cultivating a workplace that employees genuinely believe in.
At its core, Metric Theory is more than an agency—it’s a results-driven machine, and Ken Baker is the one behind the wheel. Whether it’s shaping long-term vision, optimizing go-to-market strategies, or working directly with industry giants, Ken’s leadership continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in performance marketing.
3. John Gumas
When it comes to Challenger Brand Marketing®, John Gumas isn’t just an expert—he wrote the book on it. As the Founder & CEO of Gumas Advertising, John has spent over 40 years helping brands punch above their weight, crafting bold marketing strategies that allow smaller companies to compete (and win) against industry giants.
Since launching Gumas Advertising in 1984, John has built it into a top-ranked, award-winning agency specializing in branding, advertising, and digital marketing. His expertise in Challenger Brand Marketing®, a concept he explores in his best-selling books Marketing Smart and Challenger Brand Marketing, has positioned him as one of the nation’s leading voices in the field.
Beyond the agency world, John is deeply invested in the San Francisco community, serving on the boards of organizations like the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, the SF Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco State University, where he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. His influence extends beyond business—he’s a mentor, speaker, and thought leader, sharing insights that shape the future of marketing.
With decades of proven success, industry recognition, and an unwavering commitment to his clients and community, John Gumas is more than a marketing expert—he’s a true brand-builder.
4. Adam Helweh
Adam Helweh isn’t just adapting—he’s leading the charge. As the Founder & CEO of Secret Sushi, Adam has built a full-service digital marketing powerhouse that blends strategy, creativity, and cutting-edge technology to drive measurable growth for brands.
With a big-picture mindset and a passion for innovation, Adam helps businesses navigate the complexities of modern marketing, ensuring they maximize their impact across SEO, content marketing, paid media, account-based marketing, AI services, and more. His ability to transform marketing roadblocks into scalable, results-driven strategies has earned Secret Sushi partnerships with major brands like Visa, Adobe, Celigo, and Digital.ai.
Beyond leading one of San Francisco’s top marketing agencies, Adam is a respected keynote speaker and thought leader. Whether on stage, in interviews, or on podcasts, he shares deep insights on AI-driven marketing, human-centered content strategies, and the future of digital engagement.
At his core, Adam isn’t just a marketer—he’s a strategist, technologist, and mentor. His mission? Helping businesses unlock their full potential, scale smarter, and create marketing that actually works.
5. Joseph Newfield
Joseph Newfield has crafted an agency that goes beyond marketing, working exclusively with brands that make a difference—from sustainability initiatives to social impact organizations.
Since launching Most Likely To in 2017, Joseph has led game-changing campaigns in advertising, branding, digital strategy, and content marketing, earning the agency a spot among San Francisco’s top social media marketing firms. His work with clients like Presidio Trust, CleanPowerSF, and Ariel Investments reflects his commitment to purpose-driven storytelling that delivers real results.
With over two decades of leadership in advertising and digital strategy, including roles at Agency.com and School of Thought, Joseph knows how to turn bold ideas into impactful marketing. His insights have been featured in MediaPost, and his leadership is highlighted across Most Likely To’s social media presence, proving that great marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about making a difference.
Beyond his agency work, Joseph is a mentor, speaker, and active community leader, supporting organizations like SF Homeless Connect, North Beach Citizens, and the Global Play Brigade.
6. Chuck McBride
Few names in advertising carry the same weight as Chuck McBride. Currently Chief Creative Officer of Cutwater & Founder, he has built an agency that doesn’t just market brands—it reinvents them. From crafting Nike’s iconic “Just Do It” relaunch to leading the Ray-Ban “Never Hide” campaign that propelled the brand to global dominance, Chuck has spent his career shaping culture through advertising.
Founded in 2007, Cutwater is more than just a creative agency—it’s a brand-building machine. Chuck and his team specialize in finding a brand’s truth and purpose, turning them into bold, unforgettable campaigns. Just look at their work: Strava’s “Prove It,” American Giant’s “Don’t Get Comfortable,” and HOKA’s “Crazy Does”—each one a masterclass in storytelling and positioning.
Before Cutwater, Chuck was the Executive Creative Director for North America at TBWA\Chiat\Day, where he helped lead Adidas to Client of the Year at Cannes and helped TBWA\Chiat\Day win Global Agency of the Year. His career also includes stints at Wieden+Kennedy, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and FCB, where he worked on legendary campaigns like “Got Milk?” and groundbreaking work for Nike, Levi’s, and PlayStation.
Beyond the awards and accolades, Chuck is a creative visionary who understands how to cut through the noise and turn brands into cultural forces.
7. Dimi Albers
Dimi Albers has transformed the agency into a digital powerhouse, blending cutting-edge technology and marketing strategy to help brands dominate in the digital age.
Since stepping into the CEO role in 2017, Dimi has scaled 3QDepth from a boutique firm in Amsterdam to a global force, with 4,000+ digital specialists across 30+ locations. His leadership has driven high-impact work for some of the world’s biggest brands, including Google, Audi, Twitch, eBay, and Patagonia. But beyond the numbers, Dimi is all about culture—his mantra? Happy clients, happy teams, unstoppable innovation.
His approach to marketing? Fearless and future-focused. Under his guidance, 3QDepth has become an industry leader in AI-driven marketing, brand transformation, and full-funnel digital strategies. The agency’s commitment to innovation and sustainability—holding B Corp and Climate Neutral certifications—proves that great marketing doesn’t just sell, it makes an impact.
Dimi’s influence extends beyond the agency. He’s a strategist, mentor, and thought leader, sharing insights that push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing. Whether he’s leading global teams or exploring new frontiers in tech and creativity, one thing is clear: Dimi Albers is shaping the future of marketing—and making it look effortless.
8. Rob Sanders
Rob Sanders is the strategic mind behind RSO Consulting turning data into results. He has spent over 20 years helping brands maximize their online presence through SEO, SEM, social media optimization, and web analytics.
Rob’s expertise isn’t just theoretical—it’s proven through decades of hands-on experience. He has worked with top-tier brands like Adobe, Asana, HP, and Total Wine, leveraging cutting-edge digital strategies to drive growth.
Beyond his work at RSO Consulting, Rob is a respected educator and speaker. He has taught digital marketing and web analytics at institutions like the University of San Francisco and IÉSEG School of Management in France, helping the next generation of marketers master the art of data-driven decision-making.
Rob’s approach to marketing is simple but powerful: use data to make smarter moves, optimize every digital touchpoint, and always stay ahead of the curve. Whether he’s consulting, teaching, or speaking, his passion for digital innovation is clear.
9. Rory Holland
Rory Holland, Founder & CEO of CSTMR, has spent the last decade helping financial brands stand out, scale up, and make an impact.
With over 25 years of experience in marketing and financial services, Rory has built CSTMR (pronounced “customer”) into a premier fintech marketing agency. His team specializes in crafting data-driven growth strategies, innovative branding, and customer acquisition programs that help clients—from startups to global enterprises—gain trust and drive results.
Before CSTMR, Rory was the Chief Marketing Officer at Credit.com, where he doubled revenues in under 18 months and helped establish the company as a top digital finance brand. He also co-founded BlueSky Marketing, ID8, and Telling International—two of which were acquired—proving his ability to build and scale successful businesses.
Beyond running CSTMR, Rory is a recognized fintech thought leader, a Forbes Agency Council contributor, and an advocate for financial literacy and innovation. His agency’s mission? Empower individuals and businesses to make smarter financial decisions through strategic marketing and cutting-edge digital experiences.
10. David Schawk
David Schawk transformed SGK Inc. from a local family business into a global brand solutions powerhouse. Serving as President and CEO from 1993 to 2019, he strategically expanded the company's capabilities in branding, packaging, and marketing technologies, effectively serving major international brands.
His leadership was recognized when he was named a "Top Small Cap CEO" by ExecRank in 2012, reflecting his impact on the industry. During his tenure, Schawk expanded SGK's global footprint and service offerings, specializing in integrated marketing solutions that adapted to the evolving needs of clients. He guided the company through the acquisition by Matthews International Corporation in 2014, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining strong values and integrity.
His strategic vision helped SGK develop advanced branding and social media services that addressed the complex needs of global enterprises. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Business Relations from DePaul University, he brought both educational background and practical experience to his role.
Although retired from daily operations, Schawk continues to contribute as a board member for Matthews International Corporation, maintaining strategic influence in the industry.
The Powerhouses Behind Social Media Marketing in San Francisco
In a city that thrives on innovation, the CEOs leading San Francisco’s top social media marketing firms are more than just executives—they are storytellers, strategists, and visionaries redefining how brands engage with audiences.
From data-driven growth marketing to bold creative storytelling, these leaders are shaping the future of digital engagement. Their ability to craft compelling narratives, leverage emerging technologies, and drive meaningful results is what sets them apart. As San Francisco continues to rebuild and rebrand itself, these CEOs are at the forefront, proving that social media marketing is not just about visibility—it’s about impact.
