Stagwell Acquires LEADERS, Bolstering Global Influencer Marketing Capabilities with AI

Stagwell, the challenger network built to transform marketing, has acquired Tel Aviv-based LEADERS, a world-class digital agency specialising in influencer marketing and social commerce and the development of InfluencerMarketing.AI (IMAI), a global influencer marketing SaaS platform. The company joins Stagwell Marketing Cloud’s PRophet Comms Tech Suite of AI-powered offerings purpose-built for modern PR and marketing professionals.

Founded by Eran Nizri and Yehonatan Arami in 2017, LEADERS and IMAI combine high-value digital and influencer marketing strategy with a cutting-edge, AI-powered SaaS influencer marketing platform. IMAI leverages advanced AI technologies to connect brands with over 300 million creators worldwide. The platform allows users from anywhere in the world to launch campaigns in just a few clicks, offering robust analytics, sales prediction models, and campaign management tools. Clients include Nespresso, Samsung, and Colgate-Palmolive; notable SaaS clients include Coca-Cola, Playtika, Estée Lauder, and Superdry. IMAI will supplement the bench of influencer marketing platforms currently in use by Stagwell’s agencies around the world, including existing tools in the PRophet Comms Tech Suite.

“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,” said Mark Penn, chairman and CEO, Stagwell. “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.”

“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,” said Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of SMC’s Comms Tech Suite.

“This acquisition marks a transformative milestone for LEADERS and InfluencerMarketing.AI,” added Eran. “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.”

LEADERS’ and IMAI’s success is driven by a strong leadership team. Eran Nizri will continue to serve as group CEO, reporting into Aaron Kwittken, Founder and CEO of Stagwell Marketing Cloud’s PRophet Comms Tech Suite. Itamar Gonsherovitz will continue to spearhead LEADERS’ digital agency operations as CEO. Yehonatan Arami, will continue to lead business development, expanding the company’s reach within the Stagwell network.

The acquisition comes as Stagwell expands its global footprint and invests further in AI-enabled solutions at the forefront of digital marketing. LEADERS is Stagwell’s seventh acquisition of 2024, following Team Epiphany (U.S.), Sidekick (U.K.), What’s Next Partners (France), PROS (Brazil), Business Traveller (Global), and BERA (U.S.).