Stagwell Expands with Acquisition of LEADERS, Integrating Advanced AI for Influencer Marketing
Stagwell, the network focused on transforming marketing, has announced the acquisition of Tel Aviv-based LEADERS, a digital agency specializing in influencer marketing and social commerce. LEADERS, known for developing the InfluencerMarketing.AI (IMAI) platform, joins Stagwell Marketing Cloud’s PRophet Comms Tech Suite, which offers AI-powered tools for PR and marketing professionals.
Founded by Eran Nizri and Yehonatan Arami in 2017, LEADERS and its IMAI platform bring a high-value digital and influencer marketing strategy to Stagwell. IMAI uses advanced AI technologies to connect brands with over 300 million creators worldwide, allowing users to launch campaigns efficiently while providing robust analytics, sales prediction models, and campaign management tools. LEADERS’ client list includes notable names such as Nespresso, Samsung, Colgate-Palmolive, Coca-Cola, Playtika, Estée Lauder, and Superdry.
Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to welcome LEADERS to the Stagwell family. This acquisition strengthens our Stagwell Marketing Cloud offering with cutting-edge AI solutions for influencer marketing while marking our first agency in Israel amid a substantial global expansion push from Stagwell this year.” He added, “Eran and his team share our vision of transforming marketing with technology, and we look forward to working together to deliver value to our clients across the globe.”
Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of SMC’s Comms Tech Suite, highlighted the strategic advantages of the acquisition, saying, “Combining with Eran and the LEADERS team is a force multiplier for PRophet and Stagwell to expand global reach, integrate advanced AI technologies, and leverage domain expertise around high-performance digital and influencer marketing strategy for customers.”
Eran Nizri, co-founder of LEADERS, described the acquisition as a significant milestone for the company, noting, “This acquisition marks a transformative milestone for LEADERS and InfluencerMarketing.AI. With Stagwell’s extensive network and resources, we are set to redefine the landscape of influencer marketing. Our goal is to become the world’s leading influencer and digital marketing powerhouse, delivering unparalleled value and innovation to our clients. We look forward to integrating our capabilities into Stagwell’s Comms Tech Unit and leading the industry into a new era of excellence.”
The leadership team of LEADERS will remain in place, with Eran Nizri continuing as Group CEO, reporting to Aaron Kwittken. Itamar Gonsherovitz will continue as CEO of the digital agency operations, and Yehonatan Arami will lead business development efforts within the Stagwell network.
This acquisition underscores Stagwell’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities with advanced technologies and expanding its global reach, aiming to deliver innovative marketing solutions to clients worldwide.
