Ben Swartz is the Founder and CEO of Marcel Digital, a Chicago-based software development and digital marketing agency he built from the ashes of the AOL Time Warner merger. That pivotal period reshaped the marketing landscape and inspired a new kind of digital agency. Since 2003, under Ben’s leadership, Marcel Digital has grown into an award-winning, nationally recognized firm known for blending data, technology, and marketing insight to drive exceptional business results for mid-sized, growth-focused, B2B firms. Marcel Digital’s team holds elite certifications as a Google Premier Partner, Google Analytics Certified Partner, and Umbraco Platinum Partner, and has earned national recognition as a 2025 U.S. Agency of the Year finalist and 2025 Best and Brightest Company to Work For honoree. The agency has also been recognized by the Global Digital Excellence Awards and B2B Marketing Elevation Awards.

Ben’s business and life philosophy are exactly the same: Do what you said you were going to do. He puts that into practice by hiring and developing exceptional talent, fostering an aggressive omni-training culture, and making a deep investment in Marcel’s core values, which shape every client relationship and internal interaction.

Beyond Marcel, Ben serves on numerous boards and leads with a strong sense of civic duty. As Chairman of StreetWise, he guided the organization through the challenges of COVID-19 and continues to steer this wonderful organization through moves and mergers. He also continues his philanthropic work with Chicago Lights, the Cabrini Green Tutoring Program, the JUF Board, the T1D Gala Board, and Rush Adopt-a-Family.

Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. When he’s not leading or mentoring, Ben can be found cooking, practicing kung fu, traveling, and spending time with his daughters, staying curious, balanced, and inspired.