Martech has quietly become one of the most exciting spaces in business. But the true driving force behind this transition isn’t just the technology—it’s the people—the marketers, strategists, and technologists—who bring fresh ideas to life. They’re the ones shaping the conversations, influencing decisions, and guiding the industry forward.
As we look ahead to 2025, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the leaders who are making an impact right now. These are the people who are changing how marketing and technology intersect, and we think they’re worth keeping an eye on as they continue to shape the future.
Using insights from our platform, we’ve put together this list to introduce you to 25 professionals whose work is reshaping Martech as we know it. This wasn’t just a collection of names. Sprouts platform analyzed tangible markers of influence—things like their company’s ARR growth, their ability to scale marketing teams and processes, the depth of insights they share on professional platforms like LinkedIn, and how effectively they’ve introduced Martech solutions that solve real business challenges.
There’s no particular order here, and it’s not a ranking. Each of these leaders has their own story, their own journey, and their own unique way of driving results. So, if you’re curious about who’s behind some of the most exciting changes in Martech, take a look.
- Ann Handley, Chief Content Office
- Lee Odden, Co-Founder
- Udi Ledergor, Chief Evangelist
- Hira Saeed, Marketing Director
- Grad Conn, CMO
- Kyle Lacy, CMO
- Gabe Larsen, CMO
- Meagen E., CMO
- Brandon Redlinger, Fractional VP of Marketing
- Chandar pattabhiram, Chief Go-to-Market Officer
- Emily Mcmahon, Director of Marketing
- Sairam Krishnan, Head of Marketing
- Denise Persson, CMO
- Bryan Law, CMO
- Tom Wentworth, CMO
- Salim Ali, CMO
- Michaela dempsey, Chief Marketing Officer
- Chris koehler, CMO
- Bill Macaitis, Founder
- Heather Hurst, VP of Marketing
- Pritesh Vora, VP of Marketing & Growth
- Dan Slagen, CMO
- Gal Fontyn, VP, Global Marketing Programs
- Brian Irving, CMO
- Madhukar Kumar, CMO
Chief Content Officer, MarketingProfs
Ann Handley isn’t just a marketer—she’s a storyteller, a strategist, and a pioneer. As the world’s first Chief Content Officer, she’s been leading the charge in content marketing long before most of us even knew what it was. Her role at MarketingProfs has helped redefine how businesses communicate, and her work has inspired countless marketers to elevate their game.
Ann is also a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, with books like Everybody Writes and Content Rules that are must-reads for anyone serious about marketing. But what truly sets Ann apart is her ability to make even the most complex ideas feel approachable. Whether it’s through her engaging keynotes or her witty LinkedIn posts, she knows how to connect with people on a human level.
And did we mention she co-founded ClickZ.com? One of the first-ever resources for digital marketing, it’s a testament to her knack for spotting trends before they go mainstream. Ann has been named one of Forbes’ “Most Influential Women in Social Media” and has been recognized by ForbesWoman as one of the top 20 women bloggers. If there’s anyone who embodies the phrase “marketing genius,” it’s Ann Handley.
Co-Founder, TopRank Marketing
Lee Odden is a name you’ve probably come across if you’ve spent any time in B2B marketing. He’s the co-founder of TopRank Marketing, a leading agency that’s been setting the bar for content and influencer marketing for over 20 years. Although he transitioned to a board advisory role in 2023, Lee’s fingerprints are still all over the innovative work the agency does today.
Lee’s expertise isn’t limited to running a successful agency. He’s also a prolific writer (seriously, over 1.4 million words on his blog!) and the author of Optimize, a book that’s practically a bible for anyone looking to nail the trifecta of SEO, social media, and content marketing. His writing is practical, actionable, and always a step ahead of the curve.
If you’ve had the chance to see Lee speak at one of his 300+ keynotes, you’ll know he has a knack for breaking down complex topics in a way that’s not just easy to understand but genuinely exciting. Whether he’s talking about influencer marketing, social media strategy, or elevating the B2B space, Lee leaves his audience buzzing with ideas.
But perhaps what stands out most about Lee is his dedication to the industry. He’s been recognized by The Economist, Forbes, and other leading publications for his contributions to marketing. And it’s not just talk—his work with brands like IBM, Oracle, and Adobe proves that his strategies deliver real results.
Chief Evangelist, Gong
Udi Ledergor is the creative force behind Gong’s transformation into one of the most recognizable brands in the Martech space. As the former Chief Marketing Officer and now Chief Evangelist, Udi helped define and popularize the “Revenue Intelligence” category. His bold, human-centric approach to branding and marketing has propelled Gong to hundreds of millions in revenue—and cemented its place as a favorite among sales and marketing teams worldwide.
Udi’s career spans five stints as a marketing leader in B2B startups, and he has consistently shown a knack for creating not just demand but emotional connections with audiences. His creativity doesn’t stop at work—he’s also an author, speaker, mentor, and angel investor. Outside of marketing, you’ll find Udi indulging in his passions for whisky, music, and social activism.
If you’re looking for a masterclass in building an unforgettable brand and category, Udi’s your guy. Gong isn’t just a product—it’s a movement—and Udi’s vision is what brought it to life.
Marketing Director, Wrangleworks
Hira Saeed is a tech marketer with a heart for innovation and an eye for results. With over 11 years of experience under her belt, she’s built and marketed products that not only solve problems but also create meaningful impact. At WrangleWorks, she’s helping businesses automate data work while also driving growth with laser-focused strategies.
But Hira’s story doesn’t stop at corporate success. As the founder of CaterpillHERs, she’s been empowering female entrepreneurs to break barriers and thrive in the business world. Whether she’s leading product marketing efforts or brainstorming over a cup of coffee (she’s a self-admitted coffee connoisseur), Hira brings passion, energy, and ingenuity to everything she does.
Hira’s expertise spans product marketing, growth strategies, and cross-cultural communication, making her a force to be reckoned with in the Martech world. Watch this space—Hira is just getting started.
CMO, Pendo.io
Grad Conn brings a rare mix of heart and strategy to his role as Chief Marketing Officer at Sprinklr. His guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: to make a difference in people’s lives. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived,” Grad has built a career on helping others succeed.
At Sprinklr, Grad’s focus on customer experience has transformed the way businesses interact with their audiences. His leadership combines data-driven decision-making with a deeply empathetic approach, creating marketing strategies that don’t just sell but genuinely connect.
If you’re looking for a Martech leader who exemplifies purpose-driven innovation, Grad Conn is one to follow closely in 2025.
CMO, Jellyfish
If you’re looking for someone who knows how to scale a brand, look no further than Kyle Lacy. Currently the CMO at Jellyfish, Kyle has spent the past 17 years turning startups into success stories and growing teams into powerhouses. Before joining Jellyfish, he built Lessonly into a company with over 230 employees, eventually leading it through a successful acquisition.
What makes Kyle so effective is his blend of creativity and practicality. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, whether it’s crafting a growth strategy or diving deep into analytics to find what’s working (and what’s not). He’s also a three-time author, with books like Twitter Marketing for Dummies that showcase his ability to simplify complex ideas for a broader audience.
Outside of work, Kyle is a self-proclaimed WWII history nerd and a proud dad of two energetic boys. He’s a storyteller at heart, and it shows in the way he connects with people, whether they’re colleagues, clients, or conference attendees. If there’s one thing Kyle knows how to do, it’s bring people together around a shared vision—and that’s exactly what makes him a leader to watch in 2025.
CMO, Kustomer
Gabe Larsen is all about turning data into growth, and he’s having a blast while doing it. As the CMO at Kustomer, Gabe combines his love for numbers with his knack for storytelling to create strategies that deliver real, measurable impact.
With nearly two decades of experience, Gabe’s resume includes heavyweights like Meta, InsideSales.com, and Accenture. But what sets him apart is his ability to connect on a human level—whether that’s through his innovative marketing campaigns or his karaoke nights with colleagues.
At Kustomer, Gabe’s reimagining what customer service should look like in a digital-first world. He’s also a proud dad of four boys (aka the “Speedy Gorillas”) and a basketball enthusiast, which means he knows a thing or two about teamwork, both on and off the court.
CMO, Samsara
Meagen Eisenberg knows how to scale. With over 20 successful exits—including three IPOs and 17 mergers and acquisitions—Meagen has a proven track record of turning startups into giants. Currently the CMO at Samsara, she’s driving growth by leveraging data, technology, and her unparalleled expertise in customer acquisition and advocacy.
Her secret sauce? The ability to optimize what’s already working while crafting new strategies that push boundaries. Meagen’s experience spans global businesses of all sizes, and her insights into go-to-market strategy and operations make her a key player in the Martech world.
If you’re looking for a leader who knows how to turn vision into reality, Meagen Eisenberg is one to watch.
Fractional VP of Marketing, Noble
Brandon Redlinger is a marketing leader who thrives at the intersection of technology and psychology. With expertise in demand generation, product marketing, and growth strategies, Brandon has built a reputation for helping businesses unlock their full potential.
Currently working as a Fractional VP of Marketing, Brandon specializes in aligning teams, creating scalable systems, and driving tangible results. His passion for understanding human behavior makes him a master at crafting strategies that resonate, whether they’re for B2B buyers or consumer audiences.
When he’s not deep in data or brainstorming campaigns, Brandon’s hobbies include skydiving and solving Rubik’s Cubes—an apt metaphor for his approach to problem-solving in marketing.
Chief Go-to-Market Officer, Workato
Chandar Pattabhiram is a seasoned executive who knows how to blend strategy with execution to achieve remarkable results. With over 25 years of experience spanning SaaS, digital marketing, and cloud computing, he’s helped companies like Marketo, Freshworks, and IBM navigate the complexities of growth and transformation.
As the Chief Go-to-Market Officer at Coupa Software, Chandar drives strategy across demand generation, product marketing, and brand building. His knack for turning insights into impactful actions has earned him accolades like being named one of LinkedIn’s Top 5 CMOs in the world.
What makes Chandar stand out? His ability to build dynamic teams, foster innovation, and deliver on ambitious growth goals. Whether he’s keynoting at a major SaaS conference or mentoring the next generation of marketers, Chandar’s influence is shaping the future of Martech.
Director of Marketing, PayCompass
Emily McMahon’s journey from aspiring writer to marketing powerhouse is a testament to resilience and curiosity. Over the years, Emily has honed her skills in data analysis, omnichannel marketing, and consumer strategy, driving 20% year-over-year revenue growth for the companies she’s worked with.
At the heart of Emily’s success is her passion for building high-performing teams. She’s not just about achieving results—she’s about inspiring others to do their best work. From leading PPC campaigns with a 70% spend reduction to creating influencer collaborations with icons like Tony Hawk, Emily knows how to craft strategies that leave a lasting impact.
Currently, she’s focused on driving innovation and growth in the FinTech space, blending creativity with data to build campaigns that connect with customers on a deeper level.
Head of Marketing, Atomicwork
Sairam Krishnan is a storyteller at heart and a marketer by trade. As Head of Marketing at Atomicwork, he’s building a brand that reimagines workplace efficiency. With over a decade of experience in SaaS marketing, Sairam’s strategies have driven growth for companies like Freshworks and Wingify.
Sairam specializes in aligning brand, content, and communications to create meaningful connections with audiences. His work includes memorable campaigns like the “Failsforce” initiative and global branding efforts that have resonated across industries.
Beyond marketing, Sairam is deeply invested in mentorship, helping startups refine their go-to-market strategies and branding through programs like Accel’s Seed to Scale. His passion for combining creativity and analytics makes him a force in Martech’s future.
CMO, Snowflake
Denise Persson has been instrumental in turning Snowflake into a $3 billion revenue powerhouse. As the company’s Chief Marketing Officer since 2016, Denise has overseen global marketing initiatives that have positioned Snowflake as a leader in the data cloud space.
With over 20 years of experience in high-growth technology companies, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Before Snowflake, she served as CMO for Apigee, which went public before being acquired by Google. Her knack for scaling businesses and driving demand has made her one of the most respected voices in Martech.
Denise’s superpower? Taking complex technology and turning it into a compelling narrative that resonates with diverse audiences. Whether it’s through global campaigns or thought leadership, she has an unmatched ability to connect technology with real-world impact.
CMO, SentinelOne
Bryan Law is a marketing leader on a mission to transform the cybersecurity landscape. As CMO of SentinelOne, he combines cutting-edge AI technology with storytelling to help businesses protect themselves from ever-evolving threats.
Bryan’s resume is a marketer’s dream: Google, Salesforce, Tableau, and ZoomInfo are just a few of the brands he’s helped grow. His expertise lies in building data-driven go-to-market strategies that scale efficiently while delivering incredible value.
What sets Bryan apart is his ability to make complex topics accessible and compelling. Whether he’s discussing cloud-native protection or autonomous threat detection, his focus is always on helping businesses sleep a little easier at night.
CMO, Incident.io
Tom Wentworth is the kind of marketing leader who thrives on growth and transformation. As the CMO of Incident.io, he’s helping scale a fast-growing SaaS company while navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing market.
With deep expertise in enterprise product-led growth models, Tom is a strategic thinker who knows how to leverage technology to drive results. His blog and podcast are treasure troves of insights for marketers looking to scale effectively, filled with advice drawn from years of hands-on experience.
Tom’s commitment to helping businesses succeed goes beyond marketing—he’s an advisor and board member, lending his expertise to startups and established companies alike.
CMO, Gupshup
Salim Ali is a marketing leader with a track record of building and scaling billion-dollar business lines. As the CMO of Gupshup, he’s at the forefront of conversational AI, helping enterprises redefine how they interact with customers across global markets.
Salim’s expertise spans the entire marketing spectrum, from brand building and demand generation to SDR/BDR operations and partner marketing. At Gupshup, he uses these skills to align marketing efforts with business goals, driving a seamless customer experience.
What sets Salim apart is his ability to manage complexity, leading globally dispersed teams and handling KPIs like $2B+ in annual revenue. His leadership style combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, making him a standout figure in Martech’s evolution.
CMO, Levelpath
Michaela Dempsey is a hands-on technology executive with a passion for building brands and scaling businesses. Her career spans thriving startups and established corporations, where she’s delivered success through innovative go-to-market strategies and demand generation initiatives.
As the CMO of LevelPath, Michaela leverages her expertise in branding, product marketing, and analytics to drive growth and create meaningful customer experiences. Her ability to adapt to different industries and challenges has made her a trusted leader in the Martech world.
Michaela’s journey is marked by a relentless drive to innovate and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of marketers. Her passion for storytelling and strategy makes her a standout leader to watch in 2025.
CMO, Twilio
Chris Koehler brings over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales, and product leadership to his role as Chief Marketing Officer at Twilio. Known for his strategic insights and ability to execute at scale, Chris is at the forefront of expanding Twilio’s global brand presence and refining its messaging across its Segment and Communications platforms.
What sets Chris apart is his data-driven approach to storytelling. From predictive analytics to customer journey mapping, he excels at using technology to craft strategies that resonate with audiences. Under his leadership, Twilio has continued to solidify its position as a leader in customer engagement.
Beyond the numbers, Chris is deeply committed to building high-performing teams and fostering an incredible company culture. His focus on both people and performance has made him a key figure in Martech’s evolution.
Founder (Former CMO), SaaS CMO Pro
Bill Macaitis is the mastermind behind some of the most successful marketing strategies in SaaS history. Having held leadership roles at Slack, Zendesk, and Salesforce, Bill has an unparalleled track record of scaling businesses while keeping marketing costs efficient.
Now a board advisor, Bill specializes in guiding SaaS and AI companies on product-led growth strategies, freemium models, and high-velocity sales processes. His deep expertise in content marketing and ABM has made him a sought-after mentor for startups looking to achieve capital-efficient growth.
Bill’s impact goes far beyond campaigns and KPIs. His passion for mentoring and shaping future leaders in marketing ensures that his influence will be felt in the industry for years to come.
VP of Marketing, Canopy
Heather Hurst is a branding visionary with a gift for turning companies into category leaders. With over 15 years of experience in B2B technology, energy, and CPG, Heather’s expertise lies in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences.
Heather has a unique ability to blend data-driven strategies with creative storytelling. She has successfully launched and repositioned multiple brands, driving market share and fostering customer loyalty. Her work has led to measurable results like a 20% boost in brand recognition and significant growth in return on ad spend.
Her passion for leadership extends to her team, where she fosters a collaborative culture and mentors rising marketers. Heather’s combination of vision, creativity, and strategy makes her a leader to watch as she continues redefining what’s possible in marketing.
VP- Marketing & Growth, Sprinto
Pritesh Vora is a marketer with a passion for scaling startups into thriving businesses. As VP of Marketing & Growth at Sprinto, he focuses on building go-to-market strategies that combine creativity and data-driven execution.
Pritesh’s core strengths include analyzing customer behavior, creating full-funnel marketing strategies, and launching high-impact campaigns. At Sprinto, he’s responsible for expanding TAM, increasing revenue, and ensuring a seamless customer journey.
With over a decade of experience, Pritesh has a proven track record of turning small teams into high-performing engines of growth. His ability to blend strategy with execution ensures that Sprinto’s marketing efforts are always one step ahead of the competition.
CMO, Tomorrow.io
Dan Slagen is a marketing powerhouse who thrives at the intersection of creativity and strategy. As the CMO of Tomorrow.io, he’s helping the company leverage AI to revolutionize weather intelligence. Recognized by Forbes as a Top 50 CMO and featured by outlets like The New York Times and Bloomberg, Dan’s influence on the Martech industry is undeniable.
Dan has a knack for scaling disruptive businesses, having driven global functions across public companies like HubSpot and Wayfair as well as venture-backed startups. He’s also the author of the bestseller Understanding Start-Up CEOs, where he shares insights into building effective relationships with executive teams.
At Tomorrow.io, Dan focuses on integrating creativity into data-driven strategies to generate transformative results. Whether he’s crafting AI-driven campaigns or mentoring future marketers, Dan’s innovative approach is setting a new benchmark in Martech.
VP, Global Marketing Programs, WalkME
Gal Fontyn is a marketing executive with a proven ability to scale B2B businesses from startup to enterprise. At WalkMe, Gal has overseen the company’s growth from $10M to $330M in ARR, designing innovative programs that drive demand generation and streamline processes.
Gal’s expertise spans GTM strategies, hyper-growth marketing, and process optimization. He’s known for assembling and leading high-performing teams, as well as creating analytics-driven campaigns that produce sustainable results. His strategic approach ensures that marketing efforts align seamlessly with broader business objectives.
When he’s not building brands, Gal enjoys surfing, exploring street food cultures, and backpacking around the world. His ability to combine creativity and analytical precision is what makes him a standout leader in the Martech space.
CMO, Lyft
Brian Irving is a marketing veteran with a career spanning some of the world’s most innovative companies, including Meta, Google, and Airbnb. Now, as CMO of SentinelOne, Brian is redefining how cybersecurity is marketed, turning complex technical solutions into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Brian’s expertise lies in digital strategy, branding, and customer engagement. At SentinelOne, he has developed a marketing approach that combines AI-powered insights with storytelling to simplify the challenges of cybersecurity. His focus on customer-centric campaigns ensures businesses understand how SentinelOne can safeguard their future.
Brian’s ability to lead marketing strategies that drive results while fostering creativity within his teams has cemented his reputation as a transformative leader in Martech.
CMO, SingleStore
Madhukar Kumar is a rare blend of technologist and marketer, bringing deep technical expertise to his role as CMO at SingleStore. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in crafting go-to-market strategies for developer audiences and leveraging product-led growth principles to drive revenue.
At SingleStore, Madhukar has built high-performing global teams and launched solutions that resonate with technical buyers. His ability to bridge the gap between engineering and marketing ensures that his campaigns are both authentic and impactful.
Madhukar’s background in managing P&L and developing cloud-based products gives him a unique perspective, enabling him to create marketing strategies that align perfectly with business goals.
This is just the beginning! We’ll be bringing you more lists featuring standout leaders across different domains. Stay tuned for the next edition—you won’t want to miss it!
Note: The data for this list was collected as of January 10, 2025.
