RINGOFIRE ELEVATES MARNE FRANKLIN TO PRESIDENT AS AGENCY EYES NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

RingoFire has promoted Marne Franklin to President, placing her at the helm of day-to-day operations and strategic growth. With a strong background in marketing and digital strategy, Franklin is set to expand the agency’s social-first and retail capabilities, building on recent creative successes and industry recognition.

RingoFire, a fast-rising marketing agency known for its social-first and retail-driven approach, has promoted Marne Franklin to the role of President, marking a significant step as the firm enters its second decade of growth. The move reflects both the agency’s rapid expansion across the Southeast and its ambition to strengthen its strategic and creative footprint in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Franklin, who most recently served as Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Strategy, will now oversee the agency’s day-to-day operations, client growth initiatives and long-term direction. Her appointment comes at a time when brands are under mounting pressure to navigate the speed of retail, the evolving dynamics of social media, and the demand for consistent, high-impact engagement across every consumer touchpoint.

During her five-year tenure at RingoFire, Franklin has played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s trajectory. She was instrumental in transforming its social media unit into a fully integrated strategic and retail function, aligning creative storytelling with measurable business outcomes. Her work also extended to building the agency’s brand and rebranding capabilities, helping clients refine their identities in a crowded and fast-moving consumer landscape.

The agency, which specialises in sectors such as hardware, home improvement, sports and leisure, and consumer goods, has increasingly positioned itself at the intersection of content, commerce and culture. Franklin’s leadership is expected to deepen this positioning, with a focus on enhancing social-first content strategies, strengthening brand storytelling, and advancing real-time engagement practices that resonate with modern audiences.

Her influence has not been limited to client-facing work. Internally, Franklin has been a driving force in developing talent and mentoring emerging leaders within the organisation. Colleagues credit her with fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can emerge from across the team, reinforcing a culture that blends entrepreneurial thinking with disciplined execution.

Franklin has also been active in community engagement, notably during Hurricane Helene, when she helped coordinate efforts to deliver meals and essential supplies across affected regions. The initiative underscored the agency’s broader commitment to social responsibility and local impact, extending its reach beyond commercial objectives.

Reflecting on her new role, Franklin emphasised the importance of staying attuned to the realities facing clients. She noted that RingoFire’s growth has been driven by its ability to respond to the pace of retail, the cultural nuances of social platforms, and the need for brands to maximise the value of every interaction. Looking ahead, she signalled a commitment to building on these strengths while nurturing a culture where innovation can originate from any corner of the organisation.

The promotion follows a period of strong momentum for the agency. RingoFire recently secured four local ADDY Awards at the 2026 American Advertising Federation Awards in Greenville, tying for the highest number of wins at the event. The accolades highlighted the agency’s creative excellence across design, branding, social media strategy and production, reinforcing its reputation as a formidable player in the regional advertising landscape.

Industry observers see Franklin’s appointment as a natural progression, given her track record and influence within the company. Matt Naffah, partner at RareOne, described her as a central figure in shaping the agency’s growth and strategic direction, noting her ability to command both the trust of colleagues and the confidence of clients.

Before joining RingoFire, Franklin built a diverse career spanning digital strategy, advertising and media. She previously served as Chief Executive of uncommn and held senior roles at your marketing co., DOM360, Clear Channel Radio, Galaxy Communications and Cumulus Broadcasting. This breadth of experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of how brands establish relevance across multiple channels, from traditional media to emerging digital platforms.

As RingoFire looks to consolidate its position in a rapidly evolving industry, Franklin’s elevation signals a clear intent to balance creative ambition with strategic discipline. With consumer expectations continuing to shift and the boundaries between content and commerce becoming ever more fluid, her leadership will be closely watched as the agency charts its next chapter.