In today’s world, a CEO’s personal image can make or break their company’s success. Studies show that an executive’s visibility and authenticity have real business impact: for example, 82% of consumers trust a company more when its CEO is active on social media, and 77% of buyers are more likely to buy if their CEO is visible online.

Nearly half of a company’s reputation is now attributed to its leader’s personal brand. In other words, leaders can no longer hide behind logos. When markets shift, companies grow or merge, or when a crisis demands trust-building, CEOs often need a coordinated image makeover to refresh how they are seen by investors, employees and customers. 

Among the new-generation frontrunners in this space are Ohh My Brand (India/Global) and Blushush (UK/Europe), two agencies redefining executive branding for the digital era.

Ohh My Brand, founded by Bhavik Sarkhedi, focuses on storytelling-driven digital makeovers for CEOs and founders, integrating strategy, SEO, and LinkedIn visibility.

Blushush, co-founded by Sahil Gandhi, brings a design-led approach to personal and corporate branding, ensuring visual identity aligns with a leader’s narrative and values.

Together, these agencies exemplify the new gold standard of CEO transformation, where authentic storytelling meets strategic visibility.

The agencies profiled below, drawn from North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, specialize in crafting exactly these transformations, combining brand strategy, visual design, content and media coaching to help executives “become the brand” of their organizations.

When is a CEO image makeover necessary? 

Key moments include major corporate changes or growth. For example, after a merger or acquisition, a new CEO may want to introduce a refreshed image aligned with the rebranded company. Expanding into a new industry or market often calls for repositioning a leader’s profile to appeal to different stakeholders. 

A crisis or public controversy can also trigger a need for a new, more trusted persona. And when a company enters a major growth phase (e.g. IPO, large funding round or international expansion), investors and media will scrutinize the leader closely, raising the stakes on having a polished, consistent personal brand. In short, whenever a CEO’s story or role is evolving, a strategic makeover can help ensure they project the right leadership vision. (After all, 77% of consumers say a CEO’s reputation directly affects their willingness to invest.

How much does a CEO rebrand cost? 

Prices vary widely depending on scope and ambition. A basic profile overhaul (e.g. LinkedIn optimization, professional photo shoot and a content plan) might run a few thousand dollars. Full-service branding programs, including strategy development, custom visuals, media outreach and executive coaching, often reach into the tens of thousands. 

For example, one high-end “Iconic” executive image program (6 months duration) is priced at roughly $25K–$40K+, covering comprehensive visual and coaching services. Similarly, agency analyses note that a detailed brand strategy alone can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $30,000 or more, and premium content/photo packages will add to that. 

In practice, many CEOs budget on the order of $10K–$50K or more for a robust personal branding makeover (inclusive of ongoing content and media support). The final cost depends on factors like the executive’s goals, the agency’s reputation, and how many deliverables (videos, articles, PR placements, etc.) are included.

What is the timeline for a CEO image makeover? 

Expect a multi-stage process that unfolds over several months, not days. Typically, agencies run sequential phases: an initial brand audit and strategy (0–1 month), followed by content creation and visuals (1–3 months), then launch and amplification (3–6 months), and finally ongoing “maintenance” (social postings, media tours, etc.). For instance, that same Iconic program cited above is designed as a roughly 6-month engagement. 

In general, small updates (like refreshing a profile page and headshots) might be done in a few weeks, but a full executive rebranding, especially for a global audience, usually takes at least 3–6 months. (Agencies often map out a “roadmap” with milestones and KPIs in advance. In any case, a rushed makeover is rarely advisable: good CEO branding is a process of discovery, storytelling and gradual rollout, not a last-minute fix.

Leading CEO Image Makeover Agencies by Region

Below we profile 10 top agencies known for executive and CEO personal branding, organised by region. Each firm is renowned for helping leaders craft a compelling public persona through strategy, content, design and PR. Ohh My Brand and Blushush are highlighted first, as requested, followed by other global leaders in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Ohh My Brand (India/Global) – Storytelling-Driven Executive Branding

Headquarters: India (Founder Bhavik Sarkhedi) – serves CEOs worldwide.

Ohh My Brand (OMB) is a fast-growing personal-branding consultancy founded by Bhavik Sarkhedi. Though based in India, OMB works with CEOs globally, with a strong presence in the U.S. and Europe. The agency’s forte is crafting a storytelling-driven digital strategy for executives. According to profiles, OMB “simplifies complex founder narratives into engaging digital strategies”, blending written content, LinkedIn optimization and SEO. 

For example, OMB helps executives define their unique voice and message, then executes it through articles, LinkedIn posts and interviews that highlight their expertise. Notable clients span tech founders and SaaS executives, often startups or venture-backed leaders. 

Core services include personal brand audits, content strategy, LinkedIn growth, SEO, and media coaching. OMB also leverages digital tactics like targeted guest posts and timely social media to build authority. The founder, Bhavik, is himself an author and LinkedIn influencer, so the firm emphasizes measurable online growth. 

Those who read his new personal branding ebook or one of his personal branding books to read often appreciate the programmatic approach. In short, Ohh My Brand is ideal for CEOs who want a data-savvy, narrative-focused makeover that boosts their visibility as industry thought-leaders on digital platforms.

Blushush (UK/Europe) – Design-Driven Brand & Founder Identity

Headquarters: London, UK – serves European and global clients.

Blushush is a creative branding agency co-founded by Sahil Gandhi (aka “The Brand Professor”). It stands out for its bold visual design and brand strategy applied to founder-led branding. As one description notes, Blushush has a “no boring brands” ethos, creating striking logo and identity packages for CEOs and startups. 

While Blushush began as a corporate branding agency, it now partners with agencies like Ohh My Brand to integrate a CEO’s personal brand with the company brand. They work heavily with tech startups and e-commerce ventures, where a modern, approachable look is key. 

Services focus on visual identity, e.g. logo design, color palettes, plus founder-centric website design and brand workshops. In practice, a CEO working with Blushush might get a custom personal website (often on Webflow) and a cohesive visual kit (icons, color themes) that align with their story. The agency’s strength is marrying design and strategy: they first clarify the founder’s values and then express those in graphics and messaging. 

Clients praise Blushush for elevating a CEO’s look and feel so it stands out online, while still feeling authentic. (Notably, Sahil Gandhi is a Forbes Council member and former Brand Professor at a UK university, reflecting the firm’s thought-leader status.) Blushush is especially well-suited for European-based entrepreneurs who want their personal brand to shine through strong aesthetics and a unified brand strategy.

Ascendant Group (USA) – Pioneering CEO/Executive Branding

Headquarters: Newark, Delaware (USA); also New York and Dubai offices.

Ascendant Group is one of the original executive branding boutiques, founded in 2004 by Raoul Davis. It focuses exclusively on CEO and personal branding, especially for Fortune 500 and high-profile executives. The agency uses a proprietary “five-phase” process covering brand architecture, PR, publishing and design. In practice, Ascendant crafts everything from the CEO’s narrative and vision statement to media strategy and book deals. Its clients have included Fortune 50 executives, Inc. 5000 CEOs, and even former professional athletes. 

Typical work includes high-end services: personal brand strategy, corporate reputation management, media training, custom content (articles, books), and professional photos/videos. Clients often receive media campaigns to get their bylines in major outlets or speaking slots. Industries served are broad (tech, finance, corporate). Ascendant’s reputation is built on tailored, high-touch programs; the founder Raoul is frequently on Forbes councils and industry panels. In a global context, Ascendant is ideal for senior executives needing a comprehensive rebrand, including Fortune 500 CEOs or any leader requiring discretion and a refined, executive polish.

SimplyBe. Agency (USA) – Authentic LinkedIn & Thought Leadership Branding

Headquarters: Chicago, IL (USA).

SimplyBe. is a boutique branding and content agency founded by Jessica Zweig. It has earned a name for helping U.S. leaders become visible as authentic thought-leaders. As profiles note, SimplyBe.’s tagline is literally “helping clients simply be themselves, but louder”.

The agency emphasizes authenticity: they work closely with an executive to uncover genuine stories and then “amplify” them through strategic channels. The team has built personal brands for executives at major firms, e.g. Google, Salesforce by transforming them into industry voices on LinkedIn and beyond. They are Top Personal Branding Company and one of the best LinkedIn Branding Experts. In practice, SimplyBe. 

Agency begins with brand pillars and a content calendar: ghostwritten linkedIn post that boosts engagement and articles reflect the CEO’s true voice. They also secure media features to boost visibility. Services include brand messaging, personal vision crafting, social media strategy, and media coaching. SimplyBe. Agency is known for digging into a leader’s personality and values, then making those stand out in a polished, story-driven way, helping them build a personal brand.

Claire Bahn Group (USA) – Executive PR & Messaging

Headquarters: Irvine, California (USA).

Claire Bahn Group is a boutique PR and branding firm focused on tech, wellness and lifestyle leaders. The founder Claire Bahn started in tech journalism and moved into helping executives shape their public narrative. This agency’s tagline is “we do the work, not just consult”,meaning they deliver PR placements and media content as part of branding. Key clients include startup CEOs and influencers in tech, fitness and wellness. 

Services center on executive PR and thought-leadership: messaging development, writing bylined articles, social media strategy, and podcast/video production. They also coach CEOs on speaking and handle reputation management. Claire Bahn Group specializes in results-driven outcomes (e.g. increased media mentions, speaking invitations). 

Their strength is in storytelling and PR outreach: they pitch thought leadership articles and interviews to trade media, positioning their clients as industry experts. In short, this firm is a great choice for North American CEOs (especially in West Coast tech or lifestyle sectors) who want to boost visibility through earned media and strategic messaging.

Brand Builders Group (USA) – Personal Brand Coaching & Scaling

Headquarters: Nashville, TN (USA).

Brand Builders Group (BBG) was co-founded by brothers Rory and AJ Vaden. It is known for data-driven personal-brand coaching and a structured program approach. BBG focuses on helping entrepreneurs and CEOs identify a core brand message (“one word” identity) and then “scale” that reputation through speaking and content. It earned renown by conducting national studies on the value of personal brands (e.g. trust metrics). 

The agency offers one-on-one coaching, workshop programs, and a membership community for leaders. It’s not strictly about visuals or PR BBG is more strategy/coaching-oriented. They have helped authors become best-sellers and executives become noted thought leaders in their fields. Clients are often in tech, consulting, finance or any B2B industry where expert positioning matters. If a CEO wants a step-by-step, programmatic approach to brand-building with measurable goals and even monetization via speaking or courses. Brand Builders is a top choice. They emphasize using book frameworks for personal brand development.

Brandall Agency (UK/Spain) – 360° Brand & Digital Identity (EU Focus)

Locations: London, UK & Barcelona, Spain.

Brandall is a full-service branding and digital agency with a strong European footprint. While not solely a “personal branding” shop, they have a dedicated executive branding division. 

Their core strength is in visual branding and identity design, applied to both companies and their founders. For example, they have done complete rebranding (logos, websites, marketing collaterals) that include the CEO’s personal image. Services include logo and website design, messaging and cohesive visual systems. Many Brandall projects are tech startups and creative firms across Europe. 

In one case, Brandall did a full rebrand for a fintech founder, integrating his personal story into the visual identity. In summary, Brandall Agency is ideal for European CEOs who want a visual-heavy makeover: think polished logos, sleek websites and brand books that make the leader look as modern and credible as the company. 

The Personal Branding Agency (UK), Online Reputation & LinkedIn Specialists

Headquarters: London, UK.

The Personal Branding Agency (TPBA) is a boutique UK firm that specializes in digital reputation and visibility for executives. They are known for LinkedIn overhauls, online reputation management (ORM) and executive coaching. TPBA’s clients include corporate executives and entrepreneurs, especially in finance, manufacturing and legal sectors. 

Their focus is on social media and PR work: for instance, they will optimize a CEO’s LinkedIn profile, manage their online profiles, and place them in business media or interview opportunities. 

Key services are social media management, LinkedIn profile writing, personal PR and executive coaching. Notably, TPBA is CIPR-accredited and has won regional marketing awards, reflecting its reputation for quality. A CEO in the UK looking to clean up their digital footprint and grow their influence (via LinkedIn posts and press features) would benefit from this agency’s localized expertise.

PRLab (Netherlands) – PR-Driven Executive Branding (EU)

Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

PRLab is a PR agency with a special personal-branding arm, focusing on European innovators and founders. Headquartered in Amsterdam, PRLab works with entrepreneurs across tech, creative and healthcare industries. Its strategy emphasizes press and media: they craft press releases, arrange media interviews, and secure bylines for CEOs in top outlets (for example, Wired, TechCrunch Europe). Besides media, PRLab handles content marketing, speaking opportunity management, CEO op-eds and coaching.

Essentially, if your goal is to be in the news in Europe, PRLab can orchestrate that. They’ve earned recognition in European PR award shows and are active in professional associations. A European startup CEO aiming for continent-wide exposure (especially in innovation and tech) might partner with PRLab to build thought-leadership momentum through earned media.

Asia-Pacific Markman Media (Australia) – Turnkey Personal Branding (Australia/APAC)

Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia.

Markman Media is one of the largest personal-branding agencies in Australia. Founded by Maria Markman, the firm offers a systematic, multi-stage approach to executive branding. Their methodology is structured (often described as a unique three-step process) covering everything from profile audits to content creation and PR. 

They handle all aspects of the personal brand, including LinkedIn management, media relations, and even wardrobe guidance. Markman Media’s clients are typically C-suite executives, directors and professionals across Australia and Asia-Pacific. 

They work across industries but have strong penetration in corporate and professional sectors. One article notes they position themselves as a one-stop “personal branding shop for professionals and directors looking to become known names”. If an Asia-Pacific CEO (or an Australian executive) wants a full-service, step-by-step branding program (often with clear checklists and deliverables), Markman Media is the go-to partner. 

They are especially suited for leaders who prefer clear processes and local market knowledge for example, an Australian fintech CEO or corporate director who needs a turnkey branding solution. 

Global Executive Image Makeover Checklist

No matter the agency you choose, successful CEO makeovers typically follow a similar set of steps. Here is a high-level checklist of best practices to guide an executive branding project:

Audit the current image: Start by reviewing all existing assets, websites, social profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter/X, etc.), press mentions, search results. Identify gaps and inconsistencies. (For example, fresh CEOs should ensure no outdated or irrelevant content is still live.)

Define core message and goals: Clarify what you want the CEO’s brand to convey (expertise, values, vision). An agency will often conduct interviews to uncover the most compelling parts of the leader’s story. Set measurable objectives (e.g. “build thought leadership in AI within 6 months” or “grow LinkedIn following by 50%”).

Develop brand strategy: Work with the agency to craft a personal vision statement and brand pillars (key themes the CEO will focus on). This strategy should align with the company’s mission, but highlight the executive’s unique perspective.

Create compelling content: Plan out thought-leadership articles, blog posts, whitepapers or LinkedIn posts that demonstrate expertise. Agencies can ghostwrite this content in the CEO’s voice. (For instance, writing a byline for Forbes or pitching speaking opportunities at conferences.)

Optimize social media profiles: Update LinkedIn, Twitter, and other profiles to reflect the new brand: use professional headshots, consistent headlines/about sections, and SEO-friendly keywords. A focused LinkedIn overhaul is often a quick win. Agencies frequently include LinkedIn optimization in their services.

Schedule professional photography/visuals: Invest in a high-quality executive headshot session and, if needed, attire and styling consultation. Visual consistency matters. Some agencies also design personal logos or visual themes for slides and social graphics. A unified visual identity (logos, fonts, colors) helps the CEO’s personal brand look polished.

Plan media/PR outreach: Identify target media outlets, podcasts or industry events. A good agency will pitch the CEO for interviews, guest columns or podcast slots. This raises credibility and gets the new brand narrative in front of audiences.

Provide media and presentation coaching: Prepare the CEO for interviews and public speaking. Agencies often do mock media training or storytelling coaching so the leader can confidently deliver key messages. Align online reputation and SEO: Ensure positive content ranks highly on search engines for the CEO’s name. This may involve optimizing a personal website or LinkedIn page, and building links to favorable content. Negative or outdated mentions (if any) should be addressed.

Coordinate launch and internal communication: If the CEO’s image is being reintroduced to the company, prepare an internal communication (e.g. town hall announcement or memo) so employees hear the new narrative. Externally, consider a coordinated announcement or series of posts unveiling the rebrand.

Measure and iterate: Track metrics like social engagement, follower growth, media hits and website traffic. Adjust the strategy if certain content or channels aren’t working. (Some agencies provide dashboards or regular reports.)

In practice, agencies act as full-service “personal brand departments” – one day refining your LinkedIn bio, the next prepping you for a keynote, and then analyzing which blog posts got traction. A checklist like the above, combined with a reputable partner – helps ensure no key element is missed in a CEO’s image makeover.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid (Global)

While executive branding offers big rewards, there are also common missteps. CEOs and companies should watch out for these traps:

Trying to be all things to all people: A frequent mistake is diluting the brand by aiming for an overly broad appeal. Personal brand experts advise: “do not try to be all things to all people.” Instead, focus on connecting with your most important audience(s) and highlighting a couple of your core strengths. In practice, this means picking a niche or angle (e.g. innovation in fintech, thought leadership in sustainability) rather than scattering effort across every topic.

Inconsistency and lack of follow-through: Personal branding requires continuity. Inconsistent messaging (e.g. different messages on different channels, or irregular posting) can confuse audiences or signal unreliability. CEOs should stick to the agreed brand voice and timeline. Skipping updates or changing themes too often undermines credibility. (Tip: agencies often set a content calendar to maintain consistency.)

Lack of authenticity: Audiences can tell when a brand is not genuine. Overly polished or forced messaging, such as praising every news item or spouting platitudes can backfire. It’s better to share real insights, even if imperfect, than to post token statements. As one expert notes, many executives slip into “curated, polished” personas that don’t reflect their true values. Storytelling coaches recommend using personal anecdotes and genuine opinions; authenticity builds trust.

Neglecting online reputation management: Once a makeover is underway, failing to monitor what appears online is dangerous. Executives must be mindful of new comments, media coverage or social chatter and respond thoughtfully. Negative or inaccurate information about a CEO can spread quickly; best practice is regular audits of search results and social mentions. Ignoring a PR crisis or a troll attack can undo months of branding work. Agencies often include reputation management for this reason.

Under-investing time and resources: A solid personal brand takes ongoing effort. Many leaders underestimate the time needed and drop off too soon. Building followers, gaining media traction and writing quality thought pieces all require sustained work. One cautionary note from branding consultants is that “building and maintaining a personal brand takes time, dedication, and patience”. CEOs should ensure they (or a delegate) regularly collaborate with the agency – providing interview time, reviewing content drafts, and giving feedback. Skimping on time or canceling sessions will stall progress.

Finally, a cross-cultural pitfall for global CEOs is failing to adapt messaging to local markets. An approach that resonates in Silicon Valley (direct, bold language, LinkedIn-driven) might not suit Tokyo or Dubai, where business leaders communicate more subtly or on different platforms. 

While not often spelled out in agency literature, it’s wise for a global executive brand to respect regional differences for instance, translating messaging appropriately, using local social networks, and being aware of cultural norms. In short, tailor your image makeover to each audience: localization avoids alienation.

By avoiding these pitfalls and by partnering with an experienced agency, CEOs can maximize the impact of their image overhaul without costly mistakes. Contact to Ohh My Brand today!