Top AdTech & MarTech Innovators to Follow in 2025
In the rapidly evolving landscapes of advertising technology (AdTech) and marketing technology (MarTech), staying updated with industry leaders isn’t just beneficial - it’s essential. These visionaries are redefining how brands connect with audiences, leverage data, and drive growth. By following them, you’ll gain valuable insights, actionable strategies, and a front-row seat to the future of digital marketing.
Whether you’re an advertiser looking to maximize ROI, a marketer aiming to master the latest tools, or simply curious about the next big thing in tech, these influencers offer the knowledge and inspiration to help you stay ahead of the curve. Let’s dive into the top AdTech and MarTech innovators to follow in 2025.
AdTech Innovators
1. Jeff Green
Role: CEO and Co-founder of The Trade Desk
Why Follow: Under Green's leadership, The Trade Desk has become a $50 billion adtech giant, known for its demand-side platform that empowers advertisers with data-driven insights. Green is a vocal advocate for transparency in digital advertising and has recently called for significant industry reforms.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 40,000
2. Brian O’Kelley
Role: Co-founder and CEO of Scope3
Why Follow: O’Kelley, formerly the co-founder and CEO of AppNexus, now leads Scope3, focusing on bringing transparency to the digital supply chain. His expertise in programmatic advertising and commitment to sustainability make him a noteworthy influencer.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 18,000
3. AdTech God
Role: Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Founder at Marketecture Media
Followers: Over 16,000
Why Follow: If you want no-nonsense perspectives on programmatic advertising, digital strategy, and industry challenges, AdTech God is a must-follow. Their posts often provoke thought-provoking discussions, providing a community-driven perspective on the latest trends.
Social Media: LinkedIn
4. Paul Gubbins
Role: VP Sales & Programmatic Partnerships, Tubi UK. Prior, VP CTV Strategy at Publica by IAS
Followers: Over 19,000
Paul Gubbins is a highly respected figure in AdTech with over 17 years of experience in sales, product marketing, and communications. His career spans top companies such as Publica, PubMatic, Verizon Media, and AppNexus. Paul is known for his deep understanding of programmatic advertising, Connected TV (CTV), and the digital ecosystem. His posts are insightful, strategic, and full of actionable tips for advertisers.
Why Follow: Paul is a thought leader who simplifies complex programmatic concepts, making them accessible and practical. His strategic insights into CTV and mobile ecosystems are invaluable for anyone looking to optimize their digital advertising strategies.
Social Media: LinkedIn
5. Rajeev Goel
Role: Co-founder and CEO of PubMatic
Followers: Over 14,000
Rajeev Goel is a name synonymous with programmatic innovation. As the co-founder and CEO of PubMatic, he has transformed the company into a publicly traded leader in the AdTech space.
Why Follow: Rajeev’s strategic outlook on programmatic advertising is unmatched. He shares high-level perspectives on market dynamics, long-term industry shifts, and digital advertising strategies, making his content crucial for senior executives and digital marketers alike.
Social Media: LinkedIn
6. Oleksii Sakhno
Position: CEO at Blasto, Programmatic & AdTech Leader
Specialty: Oleksii is passionate about leading the team at Blasto, a programmatic advertising company. His practical experience has equipped him to approach challenges with creativity and strategic thinking. He has been nominated for AdTech Rising Star by ExchangeWires and Rising Star by European Video Awards.
Followers: 2K+
MarTech Innovators
7. Ann Handley
Role: Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs
Why Follow: Ann is a pioneer in content marketing and is known for her strategic insights and storytelling prowess. As the world's first Chief Content Officer, she redefined how businesses approach content creation and engagement.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 450,000
8. Lee Odden
Role: Co-founder of TopRank Marketing
Why Follow: Lee is a thought leader in B2B marketing, particularly in content and influencer marketing. His strategic guidance has helped numerous brands optimize their digital marketing strategies.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 130,000
9. Dara Treseder
Role: Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk
Why Follow: Dara is a dynamic marketing executive known for driving brand growth and innovation. Her leadership in digital transformation and customer-centric marketing strategies has made Autodesk a powerhouse in the MarTech landscape.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 60,000
10. Scott Brinker
Role: VP of Platform Ecosystem at HubSpot & Editor at ChiefMartec.com
Why Follow: Scott is the “Godfather of MarTech” known for his annual MarTech landscape supergraphic. His insights into marketing automation, platforms, and ecosystems are invaluable for marketers navigating digital transformation.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 47,000
11. Rand Fishkin
Role: Co-founder of SparkToro
Why Follow: As a digital marketing expert and SEO legend, Rand offers insights on audience intelligence and influencer marketing. His candid thoughts on industry trends make him a must-follow for digital marketers.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 170,000
12. Neil Patel
Role: Co-founder of Neil Patel Digital
Why Follow: A leading voice in digital marketing, Neil Patel is known for his expertise in SEO, content marketing, and growth hacking. His actionable tips and data-driven insights have helped millions of marketers worldwide.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 700,000
13. Gina Bianchini
Role: CEO of Mighty Networks
Why Follow: Bianchini leads Mighty Networks, a platform empowering creators and brands to build their own communities. Her work is pivotal in the shift towards community-driven ad tech solutions.
Social Media: LinkedInFollowers: Over 216,000
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14. Jay Baer
Role: Founder of Convince & Convert
Why Follow: Jay is a customer experience and digital marketing expert who helps brands gain and retain more customers. His focus on word-of-mouth marketing and customer-centric strategies sets him apart.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 50,000
15. Brian Solis
Role: Global Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce
Why Follow: Brian is a futurist and digital anthropologist known for exploring the impact of emerging technologies on business and society. His thought leadership covers digital transformation, CX, and MarTech trends.
Social Media: LinkedIn
Followers: Over 360,000
The AdTech and MarTech industries are evolving rapidly, driven by AI advancements, privacy regulations, programmatic innovations, and sustainability. By following these top thought leaders, you’ll gain the insights needed to stay competitive, make informed decisions, and optimize your advertising strategies.
Whether you’re an advertiser looking to optimize your digital campaigns or a publisher aiming to maximize yield, Blasto’s programmatic ecosystem provides the tools and insights needed to stay ahead of the competition.
Stay connected, stay informed, and let Blasto help you navigate the future of programmatic advertising!
