In the ever-evolving world of luxury branding and digital media, Ernest Sturm has made significant contributions to both luxury event production and influencer marketing, establishing himself as a notable figure in these fields. Sturm is the founder of two well-known entities in the industry: Runway Waiters and Runway Influence. What began as a clever fusion of fashion and hospitality has grown into a multimillion-dollar empire, touching every corner of the luxury experience, from five-star hotel activations to viral social media campaigns featuring today’s most elite supermodels.
Born with an instinct for spotting cultural shifts before they hit the mainstream, Sturm capitalized on the explosion of social media and influencer-driven branding well before it became a standard marketing tool. His strategic vision and keen eye for talent have contributed to his recognition as a prominent entrepreneur in the United States and a trusted partner to global brands seeking high-impact visibility in the luxury sector.
The Foundation: Runway Waiters
Before the influencer boom, there was Runway Waiters, Sturm’s first venture that cleverly redefined traditional event staffing. His idea was simple yet innovative, offering a new approach to the field: staff high-profile events with agency-represented fashion models who were not only trained in hospitality but also elevated the brand image through their presence alone. It was experiential marketing before the term became trendy.
From intimate product launches in Beverly Hills to mega-brand parties in New York and Miami, Runway Waiters quickly became the go-to agency for upscale events. Fashion houses, liquor brands, and hospitality groups took note. When an event needed to not only impress but to look the part in every Instagram story, Ernest’s team delivered. The agency became a staple at celebrity-studded galas, luxury brand dinners, and major hotel activations.
The Evolution: Runway Influence
While Runway Waiters laid the foundation, it was Runway Influence that turned Sturm into a major force in the influencer marketing space. With a deep network of models, creatives, and brand executives already at his fingertips, he foresaw the potential of social media to disrupt traditional advertising. In 2017, he launched Runway Influence, a platform that would bridge the gap between elite influencers and luxury brands, creating campaigns that felt organic, aspirational, and powerful.
Under Sturm’s leadership, Runway Influence has become synonymous with luxury influencer marketing. The agency has executed campaigns for powerhouse brands like Adidas, McLaren, Ferrari, and boutique labels looking to break into high-end markets. Through curated influencer activations, event takeovers, and digital brand storytelling, Runway Influence has contributed to positive outcomes, including increased conversions, product sellouts, and brand loyalty, beyond just likes and follows.
What sets Sturm apart is his access to the top echelon of influencers and models. He has personally worked with and facilitated campaigns featuring global superstars such as Candice Swanepoel and Emily DiDonato. These aren’t just social media collaborations, they’re carefully orchestrated brand partnerships that merge aspirational aesthetics with business performance.
Trusted by Luxury
It’s no accident that some of the world’s most prestigious brands continue to return to Ernest and his team. Whether it’s a Ferrari unveiling or a private Adidas VIP event, his agencies ensure every element is flawlessly curated. The alignment between influencer talent and brand identity is so precise that the content created often feels more like editorial features than advertisements.
This approach has not only elevated the perception of influencer marketing in luxury circles, once skeptical of social media, but it’s also made Sturm a trusted voice in shaping the future of digital branding.
His campaigns for liquor brands, for example, go far beyond simply placing bottles in the hands of influencers. The collaborations involve an immersive lifestyle experience, filmed content, in-person events, and a social strategy. This 360-degree approach is now the hallmark of Runway Influence campaigns.
Entrepreneurial Impact
The numbers speak for themselves. In under a decade, Sturm transformed two niche service-based startups into a vertically integrated marketing powerhouse that’s generated millions in revenue.
But beyond the earnings, what truly sets Ernest Sturm apart is his adaptability. From staffing to strategy, from runways to Reels, he has mastered the art of evolution. He didn’t just follow the trends, he helped create them.
In a market saturated with agencies promising reach, Sturm delivers results rooted in authenticity, aesthetics, and alignment with luxury values. He understands that in the high-end world, perception is everything, but performance is king.
Vision for the Future
With the digital landscape now ever-changing, Sturm sets his eyes toward what is next. Currently, he is involved in new technologies including AI-influenced analytics for influencers, experiential metaverse events, and real-time storytelling tools for brands that are expected to allow companies to rede fine customer engagement.
At the core of his success is an unwavering commitment to brand integrity. “Marketing is no longer about the stuff you make,” Sturm often says, echoing Seth Godin, “but about the stories you tell.” This ethos drives every decision across both of his agencies, from how talent is selected to how brand partnerships are structured.
With Runway Influence and Runway Waiters continuing to grow, Sturm stands as a model of modern entrepreneurship, proof that with vision, precision and the right network, it’s possible to build something that not only leads the market but also shapes the culture.
Variety AU/NZ newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.