The Future of Branding: Top Strategists to Learn From in 2025

How do some brands become unforgettable while others struggle to get noticed? With 75% of consumers making purchasing decisions based on brand familiarity and 89% of marketers prioritizing brand awareness over sales, Strong branding is a must, not an option.

But branding is changing fast. Consumers demand authenticity, personalized experiences, and social responsibility from the companies they support. AI-driven branding, unconventional design choices, and hyper-personalized marketing are transforming how brands connect with their audiences.

Who is shaping these changes? 

This blog explores the branding strategists 2025 has to offer—experts redefining how businesses position themselves, engage customers, and build long-term trust. Their strategies are setting new industry benchmarks, and if you’re not learning from them, you’re already behind.

1. AI-Enhanced Design Systems – Tiffany Rolfe

Background:

Artificial intelligence is changing how brands build connections and refine their identity. Tiffany Rolfe, the Global Chief Creative Officer at R/GA, has played a key role in integrating AI into branding. Recognized among the branding strategists 2025 is known for, she focuses on using AI to create adaptable branding solutions that improve engagement and consistency across digital platforms.

Strategy to Learn:

Tiffany’s approach centers on AI-powered branding solutions that adjust in real time based on consumer behavior. Instead of static visuals, AI-driven elements change, making branding more dynamic. Her team has developed brand storytelling authorities powered by AI, allowing businesses to craft marketing materials that respond to audience interactions.

Example: 

Nike partnered with R/GA to create an AI-driven branding strategy that personalized content based on consumer behavior. This initiative helped Nike strengthen its digital presence by delivering highly targeted campaigns that adapted in real-time. By using AI to optimize its branding, Nike set a benchmark for branding strategists 2025 looking to integrate automation into future branding trends.

2. Digital-First Branding – Sahil Gandhi

Background:

A brand’s online presence determines its visibility, credibility, and ability to attract the right audience. Sahil Gandhi, known as The Brand Professor and founder of Blushush, is among the branding strategists 2025 recognized for helping professionals and businesses refine their digital branding strategies. His expertise focuses on optimizing digital branding leaders and branding experts for stronger online engagement.

Strategy to Learn:

Sahil specializes in digital-first branding, ensuring that brands develop a strong presence across search engines, social media, and content platforms. His strategy emphasizes SEO-driven brand positioning, profile optimization, and content strategies that improve discoverability.

Example:

Blushush has worked with corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to strengthen LinkedIn branding strategies. By optimizing profile summaries, refining content for engagement, and implementing SEO-driven branding, Sahil has helped clients rank higher in searches and establish credibility.

As future branding trends continue prioritizing digital interactions, businesses and professionals must refine their online strategies. His expertise offers actionable insights for top branding consultants focused on improving brand authority in the digital space.

3. Hyper-Personalization – Bhavik Sarkhedi

Background:

Consumers expect brands to recognize their needs and provide customized experiences. Bhavik Sarkhedi, founder of OhhMyBrand, is among the leading branding strategists 2025 known for integrating AI-driven personalization into branding strategies. His approach blends content creation experts with digital branding leaders to develop branding that feels unique to each consumer.

Strategy to Learn:

Bhavik focuses on hyper-personalization, where AI and data analytics help brands deliver highly relevant messaging, content, and customer interactions. Instead of generic campaigns, his approach ensures that every brand communication feels specific to the audience receiving it.

Example:

OhhMyBrand partnered with fintech startups to develop AI-powered personal branding campaigns that customized website content, email sequences, and digital ads based on user behavior. This strategy resulted in higher engagement rates and stronger personal brand affinity. As future branding trends continue emphasizing consumer engagement professionals, businesses can learn from this approach to build deeper, more personalized relationships with their audiences.

Bhavik’s expertise makes him one of the top personal branding consultants shaping modern brand strategies. His work helps businesses optimize branding for maximum impact by ensuring every touchpoint feels tailored and relevant.

4. Neo-Brutalism & Playful Imperfection – Jessica Walsh

Background:

Branding has moved away from overly polished and predictable designs. Many brands are embracing bold, unconventional aesthetics that feel raw and authentic. Jessica Walsh, co-founder of &Walsh, is one of the most recognized branding strategists 2025 highlights for leading this shift. Her work redefines visual identity designers by incorporating asymmetry, vibrant colors, and hand-drawn elements that break traditional design norms.

Strategy to Learn:

Jessica’s approach focuses on neo-brutalism and playful imperfection in branding. Instead of striving for sleek, corporate-style branding, she encourages brands to adopt visually striking elements that feel more human and engaging. This strategy resonates with audiences seeking authenticity, making her one of the top branding consultants to watch.

Example: 

&Walsh rebranded Ladies, Wine & Design using bold, unconventional aesthetics. This project moved away from traditional corporate branding and embraced expressive visuals, asymmetrical layouts, and raw textures. The campaign made an impact by breaking design norms, proving that brands don’t need to follow conventional structures to be successful.

5. Tactile Design in Digital Spaces – Isabel Gibson & Helen Chesner

Background:

Digital branding is no longer limited to flat, screen-based visuals. Brands are integrating tactile design elements into digital spaces to create experiences that feel more immersive. Isabel Gibson and Helen Chesner, founders of Isabel + Helen, are among the branding strategists 2025 recognized for blending physical textures with digital branding. Their work brings movement, depth, and interactivity to brand identities, setting them apart from conventional digital designs.

Strategy to Learn:

Isabel and Helen focus on making digital branding feel more tangible. Their expertise in kinetic sculptures and motion-based design influences visual identity designers to move beyond static branding. Instead of flat graphics, they create branding elements that mimic real-world materials, shadows, and depth.

Example: 

Burberry collaborated with Isabel + Helen to design kinetic window displays that merged physical movement with digital storytelling. This interactive branding approach captivated audiences by adding depth and motion to Burberry’s in-store experience. By combining physical design with digital enhancements, they aligned with branding strategists 2025 focused on creating immersive experiences. 

6. Typography Revival – Paula Scher

Background:

Typography has become a powerful tool for brand differentiation. Standard fonts and predictable layouts no longer capture attention in a crowded digital space. Paula Scher, a partner at Pentagram, is one of the most influential branding strategists 2025 features, known for her bold, expressive typography. Her designs have shaped some of the world’s most recognizable brands, providing that typography is more than just a stylistic option; it is an essential component of brand identification.

Strategy to Learn:

Paula’s approach focuses on typography as a storytelling device. She believes that text should not only communicate information but also evoke emotion and reinforce brand personality. Her work challenges visual identity designers to push beyond traditional font selections and experiment with scale, movement, and custom typography.

Example: 

The Public Theater in New York underwent a complete rebranding led by Pentagram under Paula Scher’s direction. She used bold, oversized typography to transform the brand’s identity, making the text itself the primary design feature. This work redefined how typography can shape perception and placed future branding trends in the spotlight. 

7. Purpose-Driven Branding – Marielle Miller

Background:

Consumers are choosing brands that align with their values. Companies that focus on authenticity, ethics, and purpose-driven initiatives are building stronger connections with their audiences. Marielle Miller, the founder of La Complice, is one of the most forward-thinking branding strategists 2025 highlights for helping brands integrate meaningful storytelling into their identity.

Strategy to Learn:

Marielle’s branding philosophy emphasizes emotional connection and authenticity. She guides brands to develop purpose-driven narratives that go beyond traditional marketing. Instead of focusing solely on product features, she helps businesses craft messages that resonate with socially conscious consumers.

Example: 

Sustainable fashion brands worked with La Complice to create messaging that highlighted ethical production and transparency. These campaigns connected with environmentally conscious consumers by focusing on sustainability as a core value. Purpose-driven branding is now a necessity for businesses aligning with modern brand storytelling authorities and consumer engagement professionals. 

8. Experience-Based Branding – Olof Schybergson

Background:

Brand interactions extend beyond a product or service. Consumers expect seamless, engaging experiences at every touchpoint. Olof Schybergson, co-founder of Fjord and Chief Design and Product Officer at Accenture Song, has been instrumental in designing experience-driven branding strategies that put user engagement at the center. His work places him among the most influential branding strategists 2025 has to offer, shaping how brands create long-lasting connections.

Strategy to Learn:

Olof emphasizes experience-based branding, where businesses focus on every stage of the customer journey rather than just a single transaction. His strategies prioritize emotional connection, brand usability, and frictionless interactions across platforms.

Example:

Volvo collaborated with Fjord to enhance its customer experience beyond the purchase stage. Digital tools were integrated into the brand experience, ensuring a seamless transition from dealership interactions to post-purchase services. 

9. Sustainability and Ethical Practices – Valerie Leblond & Dumene Comploi

Background:

Consumers are actively supporting brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility and ethical business practices. Valerie Leblond and Dumene Comploi, co-founders of Blng, are among the most forward-thinking branding strategists 2025 features. Their work helps luxury brands integrate sustainability into their branding without compromising on design, innovation, or customer experience.

Strategy to Learn:

Valerie and Dumene focus on sustainability-driven branding, ensuring that businesses align their brand identity with ethical production and responsible sourcing. They work with visual identity designers and marketing thought leaders to incorporate sustainability messaging into brand storytelling and product positioning.

Example:

Blng has collaborated with high-end jewelry brands to implement AI-powered 3D modeling for designing collections. This approach reduces material waste and streamlines production, aligning with consumer demand for more ethical manufacturing. Their work reflects future branding trends, where consumer engagement professionals and brand storytelling authorities help brands communicate sustainability efforts transparently.

How to Follow These Branding Strategists in 2025

Keeping up with the latest strategies from branding strategists 2025 ensures businesses and professionals stay competitive in the upgrading market. These experts continuously introduce future branding trends that redefine engagement, digital identity, and customer experiences. Here’s how to follow their work and apply their insights effectively:

Social Media Engagement – Many of these top branding consultants actively share branding insights on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Engaging with their content provides direct access to trends, case studies, and expert opinions.

Podcasts & Webinars – Marketing thought leaders frequently participate in discussions on branding-focused podcasts and industry webinars. Listening to these sessions helps businesses understand practical applications of branding strategies.

Newsletters & Blogs – Subscribing to their blogs or leading branding publications allows access to in-depth branding concepts and real-world examples. Brand storytelling authorities often break down how branding innovations impact different industries.

Books & Case Studies – Many personal brand development specialists publish books and research-backed case studies that provide actionable branding strategies. Reading their insights helps in applying effective branding principles.

Industry Conferences & Workshops – Attending branding conferences where consumer engagement professionals and digital branding leaders speak provides a deeper understanding of new methodologies and real-world success stories.

How to Apply These Branding Strategies Effectively

Learning from branding strategists 2025 is valuable, but applying their insights is what creates a lasting impact. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or content creator, here’s how you can integrate these expert-driven strategies into your branding efforts:

1. Strengthen Digital Presence with SEO-Optimized Branding

Inspired by Sahil Gandhi, businesses should develop a digital-first branding strategy by optimizing their LinkedIn profiles, website content, and SEO rankings. Strong online visibility ensures that brands remain competitive in digital spaces.

2. Personalize Brand Messaging with AI

Take lessons from Bhavik Sarkhedi by using hyper-personalization strategies. AI-powered email marketing, website content customization, and data-driven personal branding ensure that every consumer interaction feels tailored and relevant.

3. Implement AI-Driven Branding Tools

Take inspiration from Tiffany Rolfe and explore AI-powered branding solutions. Use automated content creation, dynamic design systems, and personalized marketing strategies to enhance engagement. AI-driven branding allows businesses to create adaptable assets that evolve based on consumer behavior.

4. Experiment with Bold, Unconventional Visuals

Inspired by Jessica Walsh, brands can incorporate neo-brutalism and playful imperfection to create standout designs. Move away from overused corporate aesthetics and embrace vibrant typography, asymmetry, and hand-drawn elements for a unique brand identity.

4. Merge Digital and Physical Brand Experiences

Businesses can learn from Isabel Gibson & Helen Chesner by blending tactile design into digital branding. Adding motion-based design elements, interactive interfaces, and 3D-inspired textures can create a more immersive customer experience.

5. Use Typography as a Brand Identity Tool

Following Paula Scher’s typography-based branding approach, companies should explore custom fonts, expressive text layouts, and bold lettering. Strong typography makes a brand instantly recognizable and conveys personality through design.

6. Build a Purpose-Driven Brand Story

Inspired by Marielle Miller, brands should integrate authentic storytelling into their marketing. Transparency, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility should be core elements of a brand’s messaging to build trust with modern consumers.

7. Focus on Seamless Customer Experiences

Drawing from Olof Schybergson’s experience-based branding, companies should refine every stage of the customer journey. Consistent branding across digital and in-person touchpoints, interactive customer service, and well-integrated brand experiences help boost long-term engagement.

8. Integrate Sustainability into Brand Strategy

Following Valerie Leblond & Dumene Comploi’s sustainability-focused branding, companies can implement eco-friendly design solutions, AI-driven material reduction techniques, and ethical production messaging to appeal to conscious consumers.

Conclusion

Branding is constantly evolving, and businesses that fail to adapt risk losing relevance. The branding strategists 2025 featured in this blog are redefining how brands connect with their audience, build trust, and stand out in a competitive market. Their expertise in future branding trends offers valuable insights for companies and individuals looking to refine their brand presence.

If you want an expert brand consultant and strategist, go with Sahil Gandhi. His expertise in digital-first branding and SEO-driven brand positioning makes him the go-to professional for refining online presence and establishing credibility.

If you need a professional personal branding expert, hire Bhavik Sarkhedi. His hyper-personalization strategies and AI-powered branding techniques help individuals and businesses craft a strong, engaging identity that resonates with their target audience.

Following and learning from these top branding consultants ensures that your brand stays ahead of shifting trends. Whether you’re refining your digital branding strategy, personalizing customer interactions, or integrating sustainability into your messaging, applying these expert-driven insights will help build a strong, recognizable, and future-proof brand.

People also asked

1. What are the key elements of a strong brand identity?

A strong brand identity includes a well-defined visual identity designer, a compelling brand message, and consistent branding across all touchpoints. Brand storytelling authorities emphasize clarity in mission, tone, and future branding trends to create a recognizable presence. Brand development specialists focus on differentiation and customer engagement.

2. How can small businesses build brand recognition on a limited budget?

Small businesses can leverage content creation experts, optimize social media engagement, and collaborate with consumer engagement professionals to strengthen their branding. Implementing SEO-driven branding strategies ensures visibility. Digital branding platforms help businesses connect with target audiences without excessive marketing spend. Following branding strategists 2025 offers cost-effective insights into impactful branding techniques.

3. What role does storytelling play in effective branding?

Brand storytelling authorities use narratives to strengthen emotional connections, enhance brand recall, and build trust. Future branding trends emphasize storytelling as a tool to differentiate brands in crowded markets. Businesses aligning their marketing thought leaders’ strategies with engaging stories can improve consumer relationships and foster loyalty.

4. How can a company rebrand without losing existing customers?

Companies should communicate their rebranding strategy transparently, ensuring alignment with their audience’s values. Top branding consultants recommend phased rebranding with clear messaging to maintain trust. Retaining familiar elements while introducing visual identity designers’ refinements ensures a smooth transition. Consumer engagement professionals help businesses retain loyalty during the process.

5. What are the common mistakes to avoid during the branding process?

Inconsistent messaging, neglecting brand development specialists’ insights, and failing to adapt to future branding trends can weaken brand impact. Overlooking marketing thought leaders’ research or ignoring audience needs leads to disengagement. Businesses should avoid generic branding and instead embrace branding strategists 2025 recommended approaches for strong differentiation.

6. How does personal branding differ from corporate branding?

Personal branding experts focus on building an individual’s reputation, while corporate branding specialists create a brand identity that represents an entire business. Sahil Gandhi enhances digital-first branding, while Bhavik Sarkhedi uses hyper-personalization to optimize branding strategies. Both rely on SEO-driven branding to improve visibility and credibility.

7. What impact does social media have on brand development?

Digital branding leaders use social media to enhance visibility, engage with audiences, and build trust. Platforms help brand storytelling authorities deliver real-time narratives, shaping consumer perception. Marketing thought leaders leverage analytics to measure engagement, ensuring businesses remain aligned with future branding trends for continued growth.

8. How can brands measure the effectiveness of their branding strategies?

Brands can track consumer engagement professionals’ metrics, including brand awareness, customer retention, and conversion rates. Marketing thought leaders use social listening tools to monitor sentiment. Brand development specialists analyze sales performance and online interactions to ensure alignment with future branding trends, helping businesses refine strategies.