A strong brand increases revenue by up to 43%, according to recent studies on consumer behavior. Businesses with consistent branding see 56% higher customer loyalty, proving that how a brand presents itself directly affects trust and long-term engagement. With over 80% of consumers stating they prefer to buy from brands they recognize, working with a leading brand strategist helps businesses strengthen their market presence.
What makes a brand unforgettable? Is it a striking logo, a unique message, or a combination of factors?
Without a clear brand development plan, businesses struggle to stand out. A brand strategy expert ensures messaging aligns with customer expectations while strengthening a company’s presence across all platforms.
This article introduces top branding consultants who have shaped industries in 2025. If your business lacks a strong identity or struggles with customer engagement, these experts provide brand management strategies that deliver results.
Which strategist fits your brand’s needs best? Let’s find out.
Top 9+ Leading Brand Strategists in 2025
Choosing the right leading brand strategist makes all the difference in how a company presents itself and connects with its audience. These experts have shaped industry trends, built influential brands, and developed innovative brand development strategies that help businesses grow.
9+ Leading Brand Strategists – Detailed List:
| No. | Name | Specialization | Known For | Industry Coverage |
| 1 | Sahil Gandhi | Brand positioning, Digital storytelling, Brand management | Founder of Blushush, Personalized branding solutions, Market-driven brand strategies | Technology, Startups, E-commerce, Digital Marketing, Business Branding |
| 2 | Bhavik Sarkhedi | AI-SEO personal branding, Content-driven branding, Strategic storytelling | Founder of OhhMyBrand, Write Right, Dad of Ad, Author of 12+ branding books | Personal Branding, Digital Marketing, Content Strategy, Startups, eCommerce Business |
| 3 | Simone Bellotti | Luxury fashion branding, Brand transformation, High-end market positioning | Creative Director at Jil Sander, Merging heritage with modern branding | Luxury Fashion |
| 4 | Daniel Lee | Strategic brand development, Brand transformation, Luxury fashion marketing | Chief Creative Officer of Burberry, Revitalizing legacy brands | Luxury Fashion |
| 5 | Lulu Cheng Meservey | Strategic brand positioning, Crisis communication, Founder-led branding | Advocate for direct, bold branding strategies, Reshaping corporate communication | Technology Startups, Corporate Communications |
| 6 | Paul Hutton | Behavior-driven brand strategy, Data-backed brand positioning, Consumer psychology | Founder of Gain Line Advisory Limited, Applying behavioral insights to branding | Consumer Goods, Automotive, Aerospace |
| 7 | Hiroki Asai | Experience-driven branding, High-impact marketing, Brand identity development | Global Head of Marketing at Airbnb, Former Apple branding executive | Technology, Hospitality |
| 8 | Lou Paskalis | Digital brand strategy, Content-driven branding, Media accountability | Chief Strategy Officer at Ad Fontes Media, Thought leader in advertising branding | Financial Services, Media |
| 9 | Kristin Luck | Market research-driven branding, Data-backed branding, Brand consulting | Founder of Women in Research, Innovator in brand research methodologies | Market Research, Consulting |
| 10 | Carla Hassan | Corporate brand strategy, Social impact branding, Marketing transformation | Chief Marketing Officer at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Formerly at Citigroup and PepsiCo | Financial Services, Consumer Goods |
1. Sahil Gandhi – The Brand Professor
About Sahil Gandhi:
Sahil Gandhi, known as The Brand Professor, is a leading brand strategist and the founder of Blushush, a branding consultancy that helps businesses establish a strong market identity. With a deep understanding of brand development, he creates personalized strategies that position businesses for long-term success. His approach integrates storytelling, digital branding, and audience-driven marketing to enhance brand visibility.
Specialized In:
- Brand positioning and strategic branding for businesses across industries
- Brand management with a focus on digital storytelling and audience engagement
- Custom branding solutions that align with evolving market trends
Why Follow Sahil Gandhi:
- He provides actionable insights on brand strategy expert techniques that help businesses stand out.
- His expertise in brand consultancy ensures brands create meaningful connections with their audience.
- He helps startups and enterprises develop structured branding frameworks for long-term success.
2. Bhavik Sarkhedi – Personal Branding Expert
About Bhavik Sarkhedi:
Bhavik Sarkhedi is a top personal branding consultant and a recognized expert in personal branding and content marketing. As the founder of OhhMyBrand, Write Right, and Dad of Ad, he has helped businesses and individuals create impactful brand identities. With a strong background in AI-SEO personal branding, he specializes in using content-driven strategies to improve digital presence and brand authority.
Specialized In:
- AI-SEO personal branding to enhance online visibility and engagement
- Content-driven brand development for startups and enterprises
- Strategic storytelling and brand positioning for thought leaders and professionals
Why Follow Bhavik Sarkhedi:
- He has authored over 12 books, marketing, and content strategy.
- His expertise in brand strategy expert techniques helps businesses refine their digital presence.
- He works with entrepreneurs and professionals to build a strong, marketable personal brand.
3. Simone Bellotti
About Simone Bellotti:
Simone Bellotti is a leading brand strategist in the luxury fashion industry and the newly appointed creative director of Jil Sander. With years of experience at Bally and Gucci, he has a deep understanding of brand positioning in high-end markets. His ability to blend historical design elements with modern branding strategies makes him a key figure in shaping luxury brand identities.
Specialized In:
- Luxury fashion branding with a focus on heritage and modern innovation
- Brand transformation through strategic design and storytelling
- High-end market positioning to establish exclusivity and consumer appeal
Why Follow Simone Bellotti:
- He has played a significant role in redefining brand identity for major luxury fashion houses.
- His expertise in brand development ensures premium brands maintain their legacy while evolving with market trends.
- He is at the forefront of luxury fashion branding, making his work influential in high-end brand strategies.
4. Daniel Lee
About Daniel Lee:
Daniel Lee is a leading brand strategist and the Chief Creative Officer of Burberry. With a background in luxury fashion branding, he has redefined brand positioning by blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. His ability to modernize established brands while maintaining their heritage has made him a sought-after brand strategy expert in the industry.
Specialized In:
- Strategic brand development for luxury fashion houses
- Brand transformation by modernizing legacy brands
- High-impact marketing strategies to enhance global brand appeal
Why Follow Daniel Lee:
- He has successfully repositioned Burberry, reinforcing its status as a modern luxury brand.
- His expertise in brand management ensures a balance between tradition and innovation.
- He leads groundbreaking branding campaigns that redefine how luxury fashion brands engage with their audiences.
5. Lulu Cheng Meservey
About Lulu Cheng Meservey:
Lulu Cheng Meservey is a brand strategy expert known for her disruptive approach to corporate communications and branding. She challenges traditional PR methods and empowers founders to take control of their narratives. Her expertise in brand management and reputation-building has made her a trusted consultant for startups and tech companies looking to strengthen their brand presence.
Specialized In:
- Strategic brand positioning for startups and technology companies
- Crisis communication and reputation management
- Founder-led brand storytelling to create authentic connections with audiences
Why Follow Lulu Cheng Meservey:
- She advocates for direct, bold communication strategies that resonate in today’s digital world.
- Her insights help businesses build a strong brand identity without relying on traditional PR agencies.
- She works with industry leaders to craft compelling brand narratives that stand out.
6. Paul Hutton
About Paul Hutton:
Paul Hutton is a leading brand strategist known for applying behavioral insights to brand development and market positioning. As the founder of Gain Line Advisory Limited, he has helped businesses create effective branding strategies based on data-driven decision-making. His expertise in brand management ensures that companies build strong, customer-focused identities that drive long-term success.
Specialized In:
- Behavior-driven brand strategy for consumer engagement
- Data-backed brand positioning to improve market influence
- Strategic branding solutions that align with business growth objectives
Why Follow Paul Hutton:
- He combines psychology and branding to create impactful brand consultancy strategies.
- His work helps businesses craft data-driven brand identities that connect with their target audience.
- He provides insights into consumer behavior, making branding strategies more effective and sustainable.
7. Hiroki Asai
About Hiroki Asai:
Hiroki Asai is a leading brand strategist with a background in creative direction and marketing. As the Global Head of Marketing at Airbnb and a former Apple executive, he has led some of the most iconic branding campaigns in the tech and hospitality industries. Asai expertise in brand development ensures that businesses craft meaningful, experience-driven connections with their customers.
Specialized In:
- Experience-driven brand positioning for global brands
- High-impact marketing campaigns that enhance customer engagement
- Creative storytelling and brand identity development for tech and lifestyle brands
Why Follow Hiroki Asai:
- He played a key role in shaping Apple’s branding, contributing to the success of products like the iPhone and iPad.
- His expertise in brand management helps companies build customer-focused branding experiences.
- He leads Airbnb’s branding efforts, focusing on emotional storytelling and brand loyalty.
8. Lou Paskalis
About Lou Paskalis:
Lou Paskalis is a brand strategy expert and thought leader in advertising, digital branding, and media accountability. As the Chief Strategy Officer of Ad Fontes Media, he specializes in brand management and content strategy, helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern marketing. His deep understanding of consumer trust and media influence makes him a key figure in brand consultancy.
Specialized In:
- Digital brand strategy and audience engagement
- Content-driven brand positioning for businesses and media brands
- Marketing transformation and media accountability
Why Follow Lou Paskalis:
- He is a trusted advisor in the advertising industry, shaping how brands approach digital media.
- His expertise in brand development ensures businesses stay relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
- He advocates for responsible branding practices, emphasizing trust and transparency in marketing.
9. Kristin Luck
About Kristin Luck:
Kristin Luck is a leading brand strategist known for her expertise in market research and data-driven brand development. As a consultant and public speaker, she has helped businesses refine their branding strategies using innovative research methodologies. She is also the founder of Women in Research, advocating for diversity and innovation in the branding and marketing sectors.
Specialized In:
- Market research-driven brand positioning
- Brand strategy consulting for businesses looking to expand their market influence
- Data-backed branding and consumer insights
Why Follow Kristin Luck:
- She pioneers new methodologies in brand consultancy, ensuring businesses use data to drive their branding decisions.
- Her expertise in brand management helps companies optimize their branding strategies for long-term growth.
- She actively supports diversity in marketing and branding, making her a thought leader in the industry.
10. Carla Hassan
About Carla Hassan:
Carla Hassan is a leading brand strategist and the Chief Marketing Officer at JPMorgan Chase & Co. She has played a significant role in brand management and corporate branding for major companies, including Citigroup and PepsiCo. Her expertise in brand positioning focuses on aligning businesses with cultural movements and consumer expectations.
Specialized In:
- Corporate brand strategy for financial and consumer brands
- Social impact branding that aligns businesses with cultural trends
- Marketing transformation and brand development for large-scale organizations
Why Follow Carla Hassan:
- She has led major brand consultancy efforts for multinational corporations.
- Her expertise in brand identity ensures companies remain relevant in an evolving market.
- She champions purpose-driven branding, ensuring businesses connect with consumers on a deeper level.
Why You Should Hire These Leading Brand Strategists in 2025
Branding shapes how businesses connect with customers and establish market authority. Companies with strong brand positioning experience higher customer retention and stronger brand recognition. Research shows that businesses with consistent brand identity generate 43% more revenue, while those with well-defined branding enjoy 56% greater customer loyalty.
A leading brand strategist refines a brand’s message, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful. Without a structured approach, businesses struggle to communicate their value effectively. The strategists featured in this list provide branding solutions tailored to business goals and industry trends.
1. Expertise in Brand Development
Each strategist on this list has successfully strengthened brand positioning for various businesses. Their experience in brand management allows companies to refine their identity, enhance customer relationships, and create a recognizable market presence.
2. Research-Driven Branding Strategies
A strong brand is built on data, not assumptions. These experts analyze customer behavior, competitor positioning, and industry trends to develop effective branding solutions. Sahil Gandhi, a renowned strategist, has helped businesses create compelling brand stories using research-backed methodologies.
3. Digital Branding & Content-Driven Growth
Branding extends beyond logos and visuals. It includes content, digital presence, and audience engagement. These top branding consultants specialize in multi-channel branding, ensuring businesses remain relevant across platforms.
4. Industry-Specific Branding Knowledge
Each industry requires a unique branding approach. These strategists offer specialized branding expertise in fields such as luxury fashion, finance, technology, and personal branding, ensuring businesses adopt market-specific branding strategies.
5. Long-Term Brand Success
Branding is an ongoing process that evolves with market shifts. These experts focus on brand consultancy strategies that help businesses maintain brand consistency while adapting to new opportunities. Bhavik Sarkhedi, a specialist in AI-SEO personal branding, has guided professionals in establishing long-term digital influence through structured branding techniques.
6. Strengthened Customer Engagement
A well-defined brand identity builds customer trust and strengthens relationships. These strategists refine branding efforts to improve engagement and create lasting customer loyalty.
7. Competitive Market Positioning
Businesses with structured brand strategy expert frameworks maintain a strong presence in competitive industries. These consultants craft branding roadmaps that help companies stand out and grow their influence.
A strategic approach to brand development creates a lasting impact. Working with a leading brand strategist ensures businesses build credibility, engage their audience effectively, and sustain long-term growth.
Conclusion
Branding shapes how businesses establish credibility, attract customers, and maintain a competitive presence. A structured brand development approach ensures consistency in messaging, builds trust, and strengthens customer loyalty. Without a defined branding strategy, businesses struggle to create a strong market identity.
A leading brand strategist refines brand messaging, improves audience engagement, and develops long-term branding solutions. The experts highlighted in this article specialize in different aspects of brand positioning and brand management, helping businesses create a distinct and impactful presence.
If you want to expand your business and strengthen brand reach, Sahil Gandhi provides expert guidance in structured brand growth strategies. If you’re launching a startup or looking to refine your entrepreneurial brand, Bhavik Sarkhedi offers specialized branding solutions tailored to personal and business branding success.
Choosing the right brand strategy expert ensures lasting brand recognition and business growth. A well-executed branding strategy enhances visibility, builds trust, and creates long-term customer relationships.
People also asked
1. What does a brand strategist do?
A leading brand strategist develops structured brand positioning plans to improve a company’s brand identity, recognition, and market presence. They refine messaging, create branding frameworks, and ensure consistency across digital and offline platforms. A brand strategy expert helps businesses define their values, connect with audiences, and build long-term credibility.
2. How can hiring a brand strategist benefit my business?
A brand strategy expert strengthens brand development by aligning messaging with business goals, improving visibility, and increasing customer trust. With strategic brand management, companies gain competitive differentiation, stronger audience engagement, and increased revenue. A well-defined brand identity ensures that businesses attract and retain loyal customers in highly competitive markets.
3. What qualities should I look for in a leading brand strategist?
A top branding consultant should have expertise in brand positioning, industry-specific experience, creative storytelling skills, and a proven track record in brand development. Their ability to craft a distinct brand identity, improve brand management, and drive measurable business results makes them a valuable asset for long-term branding success.
4. How do brand strategists measure the success of a branding strategy?
A brand strategy expert evaluates branding effectiveness using key metrics such as brand awareness, customer engagement, market share, and sales growth. Strong brand positioning reflects higher customer loyalty, increased website traffic, and improved brand recall. Effective brand management leads to sustained business growth and stronger competitive standing.
5. Can small businesses afford to hire top brand strategists?
Many leading brand strategists offer scalable brand consultancy services tailored for startups and small businesses. Strategic brand management doesn’t always require large budgets—foundational brand positioning services, digital branding consultations, and storytelling-driven brand identity solutions can be affordable, delivering long-term value while helping businesses compete effectively.
6. How long does it take to see results from a new branding strategy?
The impact of brand development varies based on industry and execution. Most businesses experience noticeable improvements in brand positioning, customer engagement, and sales growth within 3 to 6 months. A structured brand management approach ensures long-term benefits, enhancing brand identity and market influence over time.
7. What’s the difference between a brand strategist and a marketing consultant?
A brand strategy expert focuses on long-term brand positioning, customer perception, and brand identity development, ensuring consistency and differentiation. A marketing consultant executes campaigns, advertising, and promotions. While brand management creates the foundation for business identity, marketing tactics drive short-term audience engagement and conversions.
8. How do I become a successful brand strategist?
To become a leading brand strategist, gain expertise in brand development, market analysis, and brand positioning. Learn brand management techniques, develop creative storytelling skills, and stay updated with industry trends. Working with brand consultancy firms, building case studies, and refining strategic insights will help establish credibility in the branding industry.
