Brendan Gahan

Brendan Gahan is a prominent figure in the influencer marketing space, currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of Creator Authority, the first dedicated LinkedIn influencer marketing agency. His career spans over 18 years, during which he has made significant contributions to the evolution of influencer marketing.

Career Background

Gahan's journey began with a summer internship at an advertising agency in San Francisco in 2005. He quickly recognized the potential of social media for advertising, leading to a pivotal moment in 2006 when he executed a successful collaboration between an mp3 player brand and the YouTube duo Smosh. This experience propelled him into a career focused on leveraging digital platforms for marketing.

He has held various roles at the creative agency Mekanism, where he served as Partner and Chief Innovation Officer until 2023. Gahan was instrumental in numerous high-profile campaigns, including the innovative 2008 campaign for EA's "Spore," which showcased the power of influencers over traditional celebrities. His expertise in social media and influencer partnerships has established him as a thought leader in the industry.

Creator Authority

In 2024, Gahan co-founded Creator Authority with Mandi Hopper, aiming to capitalize on the growing opportunities within LinkedIn's influencer ecosystem. The agency focuses on helping brands develop marketing strategies that leverage LinkedIn creators, highlighting the platform's potential for brand-safe and engaging marketing efforts. Gahan has noted the increasing interest in LinkedIn as a viable space for influencer marketing, citing a 24% year-over-year increase in public content shared on the platform.134

Education and Recognition

Brendan Gahan graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and History. He has been recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for Marketing & Advertising, underscoring his influence and accomplishments in the field.23

Gahan continues to shape the landscape of influencer marketing, particularly on LinkedIn, where he sees significant growth potential for creators and brands alike.