Joe Hirsch the CEO of Swivel and former CEO of SpringServe, shares his journey through the ad tech industry, discussing his experiences with affiliate marketing, ad serving, and the evolution of ad operations. He emphasizes the importance of operational efficiency and the role of AI in optimizing ad campaigns, while also addressing the future of AdOps and the integration of technology in the advertising space. Takeaways Joe Hirsch has a long history in ad tech, starting from affiliate marketing. He co-founded multiple companies, including Spring Serve, which was acquired by Magnite. Swivel aims to automate repetitive tasks in ad operations to improve efficiency. The ad server business model requires scaling operations without increasing labor costs. Swivel integrates AI to replicate and scale human decision-making in ad operations. AI is not meant to replace humans but to augment their capabilities. The future of AdOps will see agents as primary users of ad platforms. Precision in ad operations is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. AdOps professionals should embrace AI technologies to enhance their skills. The ad tech industry is evolving rapidly, with AI playing a significant role. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Joe Hirsch and His Journey 04:48Transitioning from Spring Serve to Swivel 10:58Understanding Swivel's Operational Efficiency 16:07The Future of AdOps and AI Integration The Refresh News: September 15:Google’s AdTech Filing, Magnite’s AI Bet, and YouTube’s NFL Debut This episode of The Refresh covers three major stories shaping advertising this week: Google’s eyebrow-raising statements in its AdTech antitrust remedies filing, Magnite’s acquisition of creative production platform Streamer AI, and YouTube’s first-ever exclusive NFL broadcast. Host Kate breaks down the implications of each development for advertisers, publishers, and platforms in the evolving digital ecosystem. Google’s court filing revealed open web display ads purchased through AdWords dropped to 11% in January 2025, down from 40% in 2019, sparking concerns over the open web’s decline. Google defended itself by attributing ad spend shifts to CTV and retail media, while critics highlighted its dominance in directing referral traffic through AI-driven search changes. Magnite announced the acquisition of Streamer AI to help small and mid-sized businesses overcome creative production hurdles in connected TV advertising. The CTV market is expanding rapidly, with Nielsen reporting 75% of TV viewing is ad-supported and eMarketer projecting $33B in CTV ad spend for 2025, though measurement challenges remain. YouTube’s first free exclusive NFL broadcast drew 17.3M viewers globally, surpassing Amazon’s 2024 averages but raising questions about sustaining viewership once games move behind a paywall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, Mike Petrella, Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kinective Media by United Airlines, discusses his journey in the advertising and media industry, the establishment of Kinective Media, and its role in transforming traveler commerce. He highlights the importance of partnerships, customer choice, and the use of data and AI to enhance the travel experience. The discussion also covers the unique aspects of the commerce media network and how it engages with affluent travelers. Takeaways Mike Petrella has a rich background in media and advertising.Connective Media is the first traveler media network. The network aims to enrich traveler journeys through personalized experiences. Partnerships are crucial for expanding the offerings of Mileage Plus. Data privacy is a top priority in handling traveler information. AI is being utilized to enhance customer interactions and experiences. The average traveler spends significant time engaging with content during their journey. Kinective Media targets affluent individuals with tailored advertising The platform offers omnichannel access to travelers across various touchpoints. Creating a personalized journey is essential for customer loyalty. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kinective Media and Mike Petrella 02:03 Mike's Journey to United Airlines 04:55 Building Kinective Media from Scratch 06:09 Understanding the Commerce Media Network 08:43 Engaging Advertisers and Brands 11:21 Partnerships and Customer Choice 13:56 Loyalty Programs and Consumer Journey 15:10 Utilizing Data for Targeting 18:39 The Role of AI in Enhancing Travel Experience The Refresh News: September 8:Google’s Antitrust “Win,” Epsilon SSP Backlash, and Perplexity Pauses Ads This episode of The Refresh breaks down the week’s biggest stories in advertising and tech regulation. Google escaped the harshest remedies in its long-running search antitrust trial, with the court declining to force a Chrome or Android spinoff or ban payments to partners like Apple and Samsung. Meanwhile, media buyers are taking a closer look at Publicis-owned Epsilon SSP, with some blocking it entirely due to transparency concerns. And in the AI space, Perplexity has pulled back on its ad experiments, raising bigger questions about how generative search can—or should—be monetized. Judge Mehta’s ruling spared Google from structural breakups or bans on partner payments, requiring only limited data sharing and oversight for six years. Generative AI competition from OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Perplexity influenced the court’s belief that search competition is evolving without harsher remedies. Google maintains dominance with 65–70% of global browser share and around 40% of ad spend coming from paid search. Media buyers discovered they were funneling spend through Publicis-owned Epsilon SSP via reselling, sparking data leakage and conflict-of-interest concerns. Perplexity scaled back its ads after advertiser pushback, highlighting the lack of clear value, measurement, and final product structure in AI-driven ad formats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Ad TechGod Pod, host AdTechGod speaks with Sharon Taylor, Chief Revenue Officer at Triton Digital, about podcasting and audio advertising. They discuss Sharon's journey into the audio space, the growth and trends of podcasting in different regions, and the role of Triton in monetizing podcasts. The conversation also touches on the challenges of attribution and measurement in audio advertising, the importance of understanding podcast metrics, and the cultural shifts driving the appeal of podcasting among younger audiences. Sharon emphasizes the intimate nature of podcasting and its potential for advertisers to engage with a captive audience. Takeaways Podcasting is an intimate medium that engages listeners deeply. The growth of podcasting varies by region, with the US leading. Canada's podcasting market is growing but is more collaborative than competitive. The barrier to entry for podcasting is low, allowing diverse voices. Video is becoming increasingly important in the podcasting space. Triton Digital supports both large publishers and independent podcasters. Programmatic advertising in podcasting is still developing. Attribution and measurement in audio advertising are complex but improving. Podcasters should provide multiple metrics to advertisers for clarity. Podcasting offers a calming alternative to the noise of social media. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Audio Space 01:38 Sharon's Journey in Audio 03:39 Podcasting Trends in Different Regions 05:26 The Growth of Podcasting 08:15 Maturity and Future of Podcasting 10:05 Triton's Role in Podcast Monetization 12:03 Evolution of Programmatic Advertising in Podcasting 14:45 Attribution and Measurement in Audio Advertising 17:30 Understanding Podcast Metrics 21:02 Cultural Shifts and Podcasting's Appeal 23:59 The Therapeutic Nature of Podcasting Pause Ads, AI Browsers, and Programmatic Transparency: This Week in Advertising The Refresh News: September 2: Pause Ads, AI Browsers, and Programmatic Transparency: This Week in Advertising In this episode of The Refresh, Kait covers three big developments in advertising and adtech. Magnite is rolling out pause ads programmatically across major streaming providers, Anthropic has launched a cautious pilot of its AI-powered Chrome extension Claude, and the ANA has released its Q2 2025 Programmatic Transparency Benchmark report, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in ad spend efficiency. 5 Key Highlights: Magnite is enabling programmatic buying of pause ads across platforms like DirecTV, Dish, and Fubo, with access through Clearline and DSPs such as Curve AI, Mountain, and Yahoo. Pause ads are proving popular with both advertisers and consumers, with studies showing over 50% of viewers take action after seeing one. Concerns remain that programmatic scale could dilute the contextual creativity that makes pause ads engaging. Anthropic is piloting a Chrome extension for its Claude AI, focused on browsing assistance while implementing strong safeguards against risks like prompt injection attacks. The ANA’s Q2 2025 report shows programmatic waste rising to $26.8B, but also notes improvements: private marketplace deals now represent 88% of transactions, CTV programmatic spend has increased, and MFA spending has dropped sharply to 0.8%. Would you like me to also create a short LinkedIn post version of this recap, optimized for reach and engagement? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, Elizabeth Donovan, SVP Global Head of Commerce and Retail Media Networks at Kinesso/Acxiom/IPG , shares her journey into the retail media space, discussing her experiences at Marriott Media Networks and AccuWeather. She emphasizes the importance of first-party data, the transformation in retail media, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male industry. Elizabeth also highlights the significance of work-life balance and her aspirations for the next generation in the advertising industry. Takeaways Elizabeth Donovan has a rich background in retail media, having worked at Marriott Media Networks and AccuWeather. She emphasizes the importance of first-party data in enhancing customer experiences. Kineso positions itself as a leader in retail and commerce networks, focusing on data-driven strategies. The retail media landscape is rapidly evolving, with a focus on personalization and customer engagement. Elizabeth believes in meeting clients where they are in their retail media journey. She highlights the importance of collaboration and support within the industry, especially for women. Work-life balance is crucial, and Elizabeth dedicates time to self-care amidst her busy schedule. She encourages the next generation to pursue their passions, regardless of industry. Elizabeth's journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of women in leadership roles in ad tech. The conversation underscores the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced advertising landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Retail Media Expertise 01:08 Elizabeth's Journey into Retail Media 04:44 Kineso's Positioning in the Market 07:07 Transformation in Retail Media 09:52 The Role of First-Party Data 14:02 Challenges and Triumphs as a Woman in Ad Tech 19:06 Balancing Work and Personal Life 22:14 Future Aspirations for the Next Generation On Today's The Refresh News: Walmart, Google, and the Shifting Ad Market The Refresh breaks down three of the week’s biggest stories in advertising: Walmart opening up its relationship with The Trade Desk, Google’s use of advanced AI to combat ad fraud, and a recap of Upfront ad commitments that reveal the growing dominance of streaming. The conversation touches on the challenges facing independent DSPs, how advertisers continue to chase performance-driven platforms, and why streaming continues to pull dollars away from broadcast and cable. 5 Key Highlights: Walmart and The Trade Desk’s partnership, once exclusive, is now open—raising questions about Walmart’s long-term retail media strategy. The Trade Desk faces pressure from big tech platforms like Amazon and Google, who offer first-party data and vertically integrated capabilities independent DSPs can’t match. Google has been quietly using multimodal large language models to reduce invalid traffic, achieving a reported 40% drop in mobile ad fraud. Variety reports that primetime TV ad commitments declined again in 2025, while streaming saw nearly an 18% increase in ad spend. Advertisers are chasing targeted audiences and programmatic opportunities in streaming, while networks push premium primetime content—including live sports—onto digital platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, Ari Stein, Senior Director of Programmatic Sales at SiriusXM Media, shares insights into the evolution of audio streaming, the growth of podcasting, and the changing landscape of audio advertising. He discusses his journey in the audio industry, the importance of company culture, and the future of audio in relation to AI. Ari emphasizes the growing demand for audio content and the unique opportunities it presents for marketers. Takeaways Ari Stein has been with SiriusXM Media for over 13 years, evolving from an account executive to a senior director. The audio industry has seen tremendous growth, particularly in podcasting and streaming. Audio advertising is becoming more recognized for its impact on both upper and lower marketing funnels. The shift from traditional media buying to digital audio is happening, but at a slower pace than desired. Smart speakers have significantly contributed to the growth of audio consumption. Audio provides a unique opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in a personal way. Company culture plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction and retention. The demand for audio content continues to grow, presenting opportunities for marketers. Ari believes in the importance of education in the audio space to drive recognition and investment. Balancing work and personal life is essential, and Ari finds motivation in his family and team. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Audio Streaming 02:48 Ari's Journey in the Audio Industry 05:19 The Growth of Podcasting and Its Impact 08:07 Understanding Audio Advertising 10:47 The Shift in Media Buying Behavior 13:41 The Power of Audio in Marketing 15:41 The Importance of Company Culture 18:02 The Future of Audio and AI 20:25 Balancing Work and Personal Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week’s episode of The Refresh dives into Walmart’s evolving partnership with The Trade Desk, signaling potential changes in retail media alliances. We explore Google’s use of large language models to combat ad fraud, achieving significant reductions in invalid traffic. Finally, we break down Variety’s latest upfronts report, showing a continued decline in primetime TV ad commitments and notable growth in streaming investment. This week we cover: Walmart and The Trade Desk’s relationship is moving from exclusive to open, raising questions about Walmart’s retail data strategy and potential in-house platform development. The Trade Desk faces growing competition from vertically integrated giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta, which benefit from owned inventory and rich first-party data. Google’s traffic quality team, in collaboration with Google Research and DeepMind, deployed large language models to detect and reduce mobile invalid traffic by 40%. Variety reports primetime TV ad commitments fell for the third consecutive year, with broadcast down 2.5% and cable down 4.3%. Streaming ad commitments surged nearly 18% year over year, driven by advanced targeting, programmatic buying opportunities, and high-value live sports content moving to digital platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Rachael Savage, Senior Vice President of Ad Revenue Operations at Hearst Magazines, shares her extensive background in the publishing industry, discussing her journey from early experiences in computer camp to her current role overseeing revenue operations for various media brands. She highlights the transition from traditional news publishing to lifestyle content, the challenges and opportunities in revenue operations across print and digital, and the impact of AI on advertising and content creation. Rachael also reflects on the importance of collaboration, personal happiness, and maintaining a sense of humor in a fast-paced industry. Takeaways Rachael's career began unexpectedly at a computer camp in seventh grade. She transitioned from the New York Times to Hearst, focusing on lifestyle brands. The shift to mobile has changed how news is consumed and monetized. Revenue operations are evolving, with a focus on both print and digital. AI is becoming increasingly important in advertising and content creation. Collaboration across teams is essential for successful revenue operations. Rachael emphasizes the need for creativity in engaging audiences. The upcoming fashion month in September is a critical time for revenue generation. Maintaining personal happiness is crucial in a demanding industry. Building a supportive network helps navigate challenges in the ad tech space. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rachael Savage and Her Background 01:02 Career Journey: From Computer Camp to Ad Operations 04:40 Transitioning from News to Lifestyle Publishing 08:51 Revenue Operations: Print vs. Digital 11:08 Opportunities in the Second Half of the Year 18:28 The Role of AI in Advertising and Content Creation23:32Personal Insights: Balancing Work and Happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode of The Refresh, Kait breaks down one of the biggest sports media deals in years: Disney’s ESPN has struck a landmark agreement with the NFL to take full control of the NFL Network, expand access to RedZone, and launch its long-awaited direct-to-consumer app. The episode also unpacks Instagram’s latest copycat features, Meta’s shifting engagement strategy, and a series of high-impact headlines from across the advertising and tech space, including lawsuits, mergers, and AI transparency battles. Disney’s Massive NFL Deal: ESPN will gain operational control of the NFL Network and distribution rights to RedZone, while the NFL secures a 10% stake in ESPN, valued between $2.5 and $3 billion. ESPN's Streaming Leap: The new ESPN standalone app launches August 21 for $29.99/month, offering 47,000+ live events annually, betting features, and personalized content — a key move amid declining cable economics. Instagram’s TikTok Dupes: Instagram launched a repost tool, Snapmap-style location sharing, and a visibility control feature for Reels, all met with mixed reactions and privacy concerns. Meta's Monetization Playbook: Zuckerberg emphasizes “engagement” as Meta’s primary revenue driver, while critics say the company’s product strategy feels increasingly erratic and creator-hostile. Industry Roundup: Omnicom-IPG merger clears another hurdle; OpenX sues Google post-DOJ loss; Cloudflare accuses Perplexity AI of stealth scraping; ChatGPT adds mental health features for user well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the AdTechGod Pod, host AdTechGod interviews Walt Dublin, Vice President of Enterprise Publisher Development at Raptive. Walt shares his journey into the ad tech industry, discussing the evolution of publisher partnerships, the impact of AI on content monetization, and the importance of diversity in the tech space. He emphasizes the need to protect publishers and their content while also highlighting innovative changes within the industry. The conversation concludes with Walt expressing his passion for education and mentorship. Takeaways Walt Dublin's journey into ad tech began 14 years ago. He became the top salesperson at his first company within six months. The landscape for publishers has changed significantly over the years. Publishers now conduct more due diligence before partnerships. Raptive focuses on helping mid-tier publishers monetize effectively. AI and crawlers pose challenges for content creators. Diversity in tech leads to better problem-solving and innovation. Raptive advocates for the protection of journalists and their content. Publishers are innovating to enhance user experience and revenue. Walt is passionate about education and mentoring young people. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AdTech and Walt Dublin 02:27 Walt's Journey in AdTech 05:20 The Evolution of Publisher Partnerships 08:36 Protecting Publishers in the Age of AI 11:25 Innovations and Changes in Publishing 14:21 Diversity in AdTech and Its Importance 20:59 Passions Beyond AdTech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode of The Refresh from Marketecture, host Kait unpacks three major developments across measurement, streaming, and advertising. Nielsen is facing renewed industry skepticism as data irregularities emerge in its TV measurement tools. Meanwhile, the future of cable TV may hinge on how live sports migrate to streaming, with ESPN’s direct-to-consumer plans threatening traditional models. Lastly, Meta delivers a strong Q2 earnings report, signaling that its investment in AI is paying off—especially for its ad business. 5 Key Highlights: Nielsen Faces Backlash Over Data Discrepancies: Nielsen’s panel-plus-big-data TV measurement product is under fire due to inconsistencies in key demographic groups, like adults 25–54. The issues stem from its machine-learning model HDAM, which is used to assign household demographics. Industry Pushes for Multi-Currency Measurement: Growing distrust in Nielsen’s accuracy has reignited interest in alternative providers like iSpot, VideoAmp, and ComScore, especially as advertisers demand more reliable and accredited audience insights. ESPN Streaming Could Reshape Cable's Last Stronghold: ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service will bring its marquee live sports content online, accelerating cord-cutting trends and further weakening cable’s grip on viewers. Cable TV Tries to Rebrand Through Sports Bundles: Providers like DirecTV are pivoting with sports aggregation bundles to compete with streaming. However, whether that’s enough to woo non-sports viewers back remains questionable. Meta Crushes Earnings with Ad Growth and AI Investment: Meta reported 22% revenue growth in Q2, with ad revenue reaching $46.5 billion. The company is leaning heavily into AI tools for advertisers and remains committed to evolving its ad ecosystem through advanced tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the AdTechGod pod, Edina Kalamperovic, SVP of Retail Growth at Epsilon, shares her unique journey from agency to ad tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding client relationships and the evolving landscape of digital advertising. She discusses the significance of data utilization, personalization, and the future of retail media, while also highlighting her personal brand loyalty to Anthropology and the impact of consumer experience. Takeaways Edina's journey into advertising was influenced by her creative background and desire for impact. Understanding the psychology of consumers is crucial in advertising. Clients are increasingly focusing on customer-centric strategies and data utilization. Personalization is key to effective marketing campaigns. Loyalty should be viewed as a mindset rather than a program. Retail media presents new opportunities for brands to connect with consumers. Measurement and understanding of data are critical for driving business outcomes. The retail landscape is evolving, requiring brands to adapt to consumer preferences. In-store experiences can significantly enhance customer loyalty. Brands that understand their customers will succeed in a competitive market. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AdTech and Edina's Journey 08:20 The Evolution of Client Relationships and Data Utilization 15:39 Retail Media and the Future of Commerce 20:28 Personal Brand Loyalty and Consumer Experience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of The Refresh, host Kait unpacks some of the most significant shifts in media, search, and publishing. Alphabet reported record-breaking Q2 earnings driven by cloud and search, despite concerns about AI competition. Newsweek is proactively adjusting its business model to combat AI-related traffic threats, and the Paramount–Skydance merger finally got the FCC’s green light, complete with political controversy and a timely South Park takedown. Alphabet's Blowout Quarter: Alphabet hit $96.4 billion in Q2 revenue, driven by strong performance in cloud (up 32%) and ad sales (up 10.4%), with YouTube capturing nearly 13% of all U.S. TV screen time. Publisher Impact from Generative AI: Google’s AI overviews and search innovations are reducing referral traffic to publishers, with its network division down $100M this quarter—an early signal of monetization shifts. Newsweek’s Monetization Overhaul: Facing declining search-driven traffic, Newsweek aims to lower its ad revenue dependency by investing in healthcare adtech, subscriptions, and syndication deals to charge AI bots for crawling content. Paramount–Skydance Merger Approved: The FCC approved the controversial Paramount-Skydance deal, just days after a $16M Trump settlement and CBS’ cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. South Park Weighs In: South Park’s season premiere mocked the Paramount merger and its political ties—airing hours after a $1.5B content deal was finalized between the show’s creators and Paramount. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AdTechGod speaks with Austin Scott, the CCO and founder of Bedrock Platform. They discuss Austin's extensive career in ad tech, her transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities within the ad tech ecosystem. The conversation also delves into the evolution of connected TV (CTV) and programmatic advertising, as well as the need for a redefined marketing funnel in today's digital landscape. Takeaways Austin Scott has a rich background in ad tech, having worked with major companies like X plus one, TubeMogul, and Microsoft. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and determination in the entrepreneurial journey. The ad tech ecosystem faces challenges such as data control and the need for flexible solutions. Bedrock Platform aims to empower media buyers with innovative tools and a customizable approach. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of CTV and its impact on advertising strategies. Austin believes that the marketing funnel has changed and needs to be redefined for modern advertising. She discusses the significance of collaboration and understanding buyer needs in ad tech. The importance of cross-channel measurement and attribution is emphasized in the conversation. Austin shares insights on the cultural differences in business practices between the US and Europe. The episode concludes with a focus on the future of programmatic advertising and the need for sustainable models. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Austin Scott and Bedrock Platform 02:11 Austin's Career Journey in Ad Tech 11:33 Transitioning to Xander and Cultural Insights 14:45 Challenges in the Ad Tech Ecosystem 20:23 The Future of CTV and Programmatic Advertising 27:05 Redefining the Marketing Funnel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week’s episode of The Refresh skips the usual industry drama to spotlight three major developments in advertising and media. Host Kait walks through The Trade Desk’s milestone entry into the S&P 500, NBCUniversal’s record-setting upfront performance, and Delta’s bold use of AI for personalized airfare pricing. From validating independent ad tech to the future of programmatic sports buys and the controversy surrounding dynamic pricing, the episode unpacks where innovation is winning, and where it’s raising eyebrows. The Trade Desk Joins the S&P 500: The Trade Desk became the first pure-play ad tech company in over 20 years to join the S&P 500, a sign of its financial strength, consistent profitability, and key role in the digital advertising ecosystem. Stock Surge Following Announcement: Following news of its inclusion, The Trade Desk’s stock jumped 14% on July 14. Historically, companies newly added to the index see a 13–14% gain over the next year. NBCUniversal’s Best Upfront Ever: NBCU reported a 15% YoY increase in total upfront commitments, with a 45% spike tied to sports. One-third of upfront spend went to Peacock, marking its largest digital upfront to date. Programmatic Drives New Advertiser Growth: NBCU attracted more small and midsize advertisers this year, many of whom used programmatic buying. Their programmatic revenue alone reached $1 billion in this cycle. Delta’s Controversial AI Pricing Rollout: Delta plans to use AI to set prices for 20% of domestic tickets by the end of 2025. While positioned as innovation, critics have raised concerns over potential bias and lack of transparency in AI-driven fare models. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the AdTech God Pod, Zach Lain, Director of Global Data Partnerships at PepsiCo, dives into the evolving intersection of data, creativity, and marketing outcomes. He shares his unique path from Chinese language and law studies to running global data strategy at one of the world’s biggest brands. Zach discusses the importance of clean signal infrastructure, the cultural shift away from vanity metrics, and how clean rooms are reshaping collaboration. He also highlights AI's creative potential and the persistent challenge of ad fraud. Takeaways Zach explains how his childhood fascination with Chinese characters and structure led him to study law in China, eventually channeling that passion for structured meaning into a career in data and advertising. Zach shares how data doesn’t just optimize media but fuels creativity. He references Cannes Lions and tools like Springboards that use “generative hallucinations” to inspire new creative directions—turning AI errors into a spark for innovation. He argues clean rooms are becoming the "cloud for media" and will soon be foundational to how brands collaborate, measure, and activate data. This includes work with platforms like Infosum and Habu. Zach highlights a major internal change at PepsiCo: moving from vanity metrics like CTRs to true business outcomes. This is altering how campaigns are briefed, partners are chosen, and success is defined. Zach warns that CTV ad fraud is growing faster than detection can keep up. He calls for industry-wide standards and collaboration, comparing the current state to a "game of whack-a-mole" that can only be solved collectively. Chapters 03:25 The Unlikely Path to AdTech 08:25 Where Data Meets Art 14:00 Clean Rooms as Infrastructure 15:54 Culture Shift: Outcomes Over Impressions 22:56 Ad Fraud Is Everyone’s Problem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this July 14th edition of The Refresh, host Kait recaps a whirlwind week in advertising marked by major leadership changes, surprising earnings news, and critical shifts in the social media and AI sectors. From Linda Yaccarino's headline-making exit at X to the rise of Threads and AI-powered browsers challenging Google, this episode covers the most important updates marketers need to know. With WPP's new CEO pick and YouTube's monetization policy pivot, it's clear the industry is evolving rapidly, both in people and platforms. Linda Yaccarino Exits X (0:38): After a tumultuous tenure trying to stabilize X’s advertiser relations post-Elon Musk acquisition, Yaccarino stepped down, raising fresh concerns over the platform’s future ad revenue and signaling a deeper pivot toward AI integration via XAI. WPP Names Cindy Rose as Next CEO (2:11): With a background at Microsoft, Virgin Media, and Disney, Rose’s appointment signals WPP’s strategic shift toward becoming a more AI- and tech-centric organization amid falling revenue forecasts and mounting competitive pressure. WPP Cuts 2025 Revenue Guidance (3:15): In an unscheduled earnings update, WPP downgraded its 2025 outlook to a 3–5% decline, citing macroeconomic headwinds and major client losses including Coca-Cola and Paramount. Threads Closes in on X (4:06): Threads hit 115 million daily mobile users in June, up 128% year-over-year, while X saw a 15% drop. The user shift, particularly in the U.S., signals growing momentum for Meta’s Twitter alternative. AI-Powered Browsers Challenge Google (6:13): Perplexity released its new Comet browser and OpenAI’s rumored offering aims to make browsing fully conversational. Both aim to reshape search and ads with real-time, assistant-driven experiences that could threaten Google’s dominance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the Ad Tech Godpod, host AdTechGod speaks with Taylor Simons, founder of TCHT and former MediaMath executive. They discuss Taylor's intentional journey into ad tech, the lessons learned from MediaMath's bankruptcy, and the current trends in the industry, including the dynamics between SSPs and DSPs, bid duplication, and the role of SPO and curation. They also explore the limitations of the open exchange and the misaligned incentives within the ad tech ecosystem, concluding with a discussion on the future of AI in advertising. takeaways Taylor Simons intentionally entered the ad tech industry. MediaMath's bankruptcy was a painful experience for Taylor. Turning failures into successes is possible with the right mindset. SPO is still developing and has potential for growth. There are over 200 SSPs actively participating in the market. Misaligned incentives between SSPs and DSPs create challenges. The open exchange has significant limitations for advertisers. Publishers need to consolidate their SSP partnerships for better results. Sharing campaign KPIs can improve trust and performance in the ecosystem. AI has the potential to create new programmatic channels in advertising. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ad Tech and Taylor Simons 02:10 Taylor's Journey into Ad Tech 05:09 Lessons from MediaMath's Bankruptcy 06:48 Current Trends in Ad Tech 08:59 Understanding SSPs vs. DSPs 11:06 Bid Duplication and Its Impact 13:13 The Role of SPO and Curation 15:41 The Limitations of Open Exchange 18:51 Incentives in the Ad Tech Ecosystem 22:49 The Future of AI in Ad Tech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode of The Refresh (July 7, 2025), Kait breaks down the top stories reshaping advertising and media. Apple’s massive push into theatrical releases hits a milestone with F1, raising questions about the long game for Apple’s entertainment ambitions. Meanwhile, Google launches OfferWall, a monetization tool built for the post-cookie, AI-dominated internet. And on Wall Street, Barclays delivers a sobering forecast for holding companies despite their AI investments. It’s a week that highlights how media, monetization, and market pressure are colliding across the ecosystem. 5 Key Highlights: Apple’s F1 film makes a strong debut, grossing $144 million globally in its opening weekend, but with production and marketing costs over $375 million, profitability is still uncertain. Apple’s aggressive marketing strategy for F1 leveraged its entire ecosystem—from WWDC tie-ins and haptic trailers to in-phone ticket discounts via Apple Wallet—sparking debate over consumer boundaries. Google launches OfferWall, a new feature within Google Ad Manager allowing users to unlock premium content through ads, surveys, payments, or newsletter opt-ins, aiming to help publishers recover lost revenue in the AI-search era. OfferWall signals a move toward an incentivized internet, where users explicitly trade data, time, or small payments for content, though infrastructure and behavioral shifts are still major hurdles. • Barclays downgrades major ad holding companies (IPG, Omnicom, WPP), citing slow growth and AI disruption to traditional business models—but notes their current AI product launches and scale could pay off long-term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of the AdTech Godpod, host AdTech God speaks with Fariba Zamaniyan, Global Vice President of Data Monetization at TiVo. Fariba shares her journey from her immigrant roots to becoming a leader in the AdTech industry, discussing her experiences at Nielsen and the evolution of TiVo from a DVR company to a data powerhouse. The conversation explores the importance of metadata in advertising, the shift to streaming, and the exciting trends shaping the future of AdTech. Takeaways Fariba's journey reflects the impact of immigrant experiences on career paths. Her passion for advertising began in childhood, influenced by family and media. TiVo was a pioneer in giving consumers control over their viewing experience. The evolution of TiVo highlights the importance of adapting to technological changes. Data plays a central role in understanding advertising effectiveness. Metadata is crucial for measuring advertising in a cookie-less environment. The industry is moving towards alternative currencies for audience measurement. Global expansion is a key focus for TiVo's future growth. The integration of audio and video advertising presents new opportunities. Fariba finds excitement in the creative and dynamic nature of the AdTech industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fariba Zamaniyan and TiVo 02:24 Fariba's Journey: From Immigrant Roots to AdTech Leader 09:32 The Evolution of TiVo: From DVR to Data Powerhouse 13:00 AdTech Transformation: Navigating the Shift to Streaming 17:30 The Importance of Metadata in a Cookie-less World 22:39 Looking Ahead: Exciting Trends in AdTech 27:21 What Keeps Fariba in the Industry? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s episode of The Refresh, Kait unpacks a surprisingly calm post-Cannes news cycle, headlined by the FTC's conditional green light of the $13.5 billion Omnicom-IPG merger. She also breaks down the continuing slide in CTV CPMs despite a booming supply of inventory, and confronts the ongoing issue of harassment at the Cannes Lions festival, spotlighting industry efforts, shortcomings, and calls for real accountability. 5 Key Highlights: Omnicom-IPG Merger Approved (with Conditions): The FTC conditionally approved the \$13.5B merger via a consent decree that prohibits coordinated ad boycotts based on political or ideological views. The approval remains subject to a 30-day public comment period and ongoing international regulatory review. CTV CPMs Drop Sharply: CTV ad prices are down 10–30% year-over-year due to a surge in inventory, performance-driven buying, and broader programmatic access. Industry insiders expect a pricing divide between mass reach and outcome-driven premium inventory. CTV’s Full-Funnel Evolution: Despite price drops, CTV is moving beyond awareness into full-funnel performance territory, supported by clean room integrations, data partnerships, and sharper buying strategies. Cannes Harassment Issues Persist: Despite new safety measures like safe zones and panic buttons, reports of harassment at Cannes continue. Industry voices are pushing for broader, more systemic change and ongoing dialogue. Industry Speaks Out: Public figures like Brian O’Kelley, Mike Brooks, and Emily Roberts have helped spotlight Cannes' darker undercurrents. Emily Roberts launched a petition for reform, urging the industry to prioritize safety and accountability beyond LinkedIn posts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John Skinner
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Anthony Hall
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