2025 IAB NewFronts

Dr. Phil McGraw rose to fame in the 1990s through appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, launching his own top-rated CBS talk show, Dr. Phil, which ran for 21 seasons. In 2024, he founded Merit Street Media, a Texas-based, 5-acre media hub and home to MeritTV, featuring Dr. Phil Primetime, daily live news, and original shows with Nancy Grace, Chris Harrison and Lauren Zima. A two-time Emmy winner, McGraw hosts four podcasts and has authored 10 New York Times bestsellers. A household name and trusted voice, Dr. Phil remains one of television’s most influential figures in news, entertainment, and mental health.

Alex Pakla is the Sales Team Lead for Future Today. With nearly 20 years of experience, Alex possesses a deep understanding of the Sales and Streaming TV industry. Having previously worked with Disney, Paramount, and Reelz, he brings extensive knowledge in various content genres and platforms, particularly in the family and entertainment realms. Coming from customer-facing roles, Alex now shares his expertise as a leader within his team, providing mentorship and guidance in the streaming space.

As GM of Audience Measurement at Nielsen, Ameneh Atai is responsible for leading global digital and advanced TV commercial strategy, sales and business development teams in the US.

Ameneh joined Nielsen in 2015 through the acquisition of eXelate. Ameneh brings diverse knowledge to the Ad and MarTech space as her previous roles were in Director of Solutions Architecture and Director of Artificial Intelligence Solutions; her strengths are in advising and working directly with marketers and advertisers. She is client focused with a strong background in data-driven software solutions and extensive experience in the digital advertising ecosystem.

Ameneh started her career in Systems Engineering and held positions at International Submarine Engineering and Engineering Consulting, designing autonomous submarines and Big Data collection and monitoring infrastructures. She received a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering – Electronics from Simon Fraser University and holds three US patents in systems design, one of which has been in collaboration with University of Waterloo. In her personal time, Ameneh is an avid traveler. She also is classically trained in dance and passionate about empowering young women by teaching dance and choreography.

As the Group Vice President, Advertising & Data Sales, Adam is responsible for the go-to-market strategy of VIZIO Ads, a platform with one of the largest connected TV footprints in the U.S. His role includes building brand and agency partnership strategy, as well as informing product and marketing decisions.

Having spent close to a decade in and around the OTT space specifically, Adam helped launch YuMe’s connected television suite, driving advertisers to consider the relationship between OTT and traditional TV investments. From there, Adam led partnerships and strategy at The Daily Beast, a leader in thoughtful, provocative journalism. That path led him back into the data, measurement, and OTT community, taking on a leadership post at Samba TV.

With experience ranging from ad-tech, publishing, measurement, and start-up mentorship, Adam’s focus remains on brand-led solutions, connecting consumers with content they desire, and driving business outcomes.

Sean Booker is the Head of Media and Entertainment Sales at VIZIO, where he spearheads search and discovery initiatives for on-platform entertainment partners, driving significant business growth for App, Studio, Fast Channel and Broadcast partners.

With an extensive background in entertainment marketing and sales, Sean is passionate about optimizing advertising, data and measurement to drive results in today’s accountable world. Sean was awarded Top Salesperson of the Year by Los Angeles-based organization, ThinkLA.

Neala is the Senior Vice President of Strategy & Operations, North America at Teads where she oversees Customer Experience, Research and Insights. Neala partners closely with the Data and Teads Studio teams to ensure relentless focus of customer needs and a seamless experience. She brings nearly 20 years of industry experience to the team, with 12+ years focused on identifying business-driving, strategic insights through research, analytics, measurement, and data. She has spent the bulk of career agency side with time at Havas Media and Digitas, building teams that deliver data-driven insights to inform media strategy and deliver effective outcomes for clients. She lives outside Boston with her husband and three children.

A celebrated multi-media sensation, folk hero, truth-teller, and beloved cultural icon: With his signature snow-white hair, bold mustache, eye-catching collection of colorful Jordan sneakers, and round, guayabera-clad figure, the vibrant Don Cheto is a constant presence. He can be found everywhere—from radio and television to feature films, documentaries, music, video games, and even towering billboards high above the city, where his image dominates the skyline.

The #1 most recognizable personality in Spanish-language radio, Don Cheto is marking 20 years at the peak of his illustrious career. At 63 years old, this grandfather continues to captivate audiences as the host of Don Cheto Al Aire, the hit morning show.

Allison is a strategic leader with an extensive background in the media industry, including sales management roles with AMC Networks and NBC Universal. Most recently she was SVP, Ad Sales and Partnerships, AMCN, overseeing BBCA, WE tv, and IFC networks. She also led upfront negotiations across agency holding companies for the AMCN Portfolio of networks, including AMC and Sundance Channel across all platforms – linear, digital, social, VOD, events.

She previously held several roles at NBC Universal across various networks – USA, SyFy, Bravo and started her career at MTV Networks.

David Cohen joined IAB in April 2020 as President and was named Chief Executive Officer in September 2020. Cohen is a widely respected advertising agency leader who, prior to IAB, served as President, North America for MAGNA, Interpublic Group’s (IPG) centralized media intelligence, investment, and innovation arm. In this role, Cohen was responsible for more than $20 billion in media spend. During his tenure, Cohen structured and executed large global transactions on behalf of IPG and its clients, with such major IAB member companies as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Spotify, Twitter, and Verizon Media.

Prior to MAGNA, Cohen served as Chief Investment Officer of UM, ensuring that digital innovation, data, and technology acumen flowed throughout the agency to drive performance. From 2001 to 2011, Cohen served in critical, transformational roles at UM during the explosive growth of digital advertising, including Chief Media Officer, Chief Digital Officer, and Executive Vice President, U.S. Director of Digital Communications. In the late 1990’s, Cohen was responsible for launching and building IPG’s digital practice.

Cohen has a long history of working with trade organizations including IAB and 4As, where he served as chairman of the Interactive Marketing Committee from 2009-2013. He has also been instrumental in initiating several vital industry-wide programs, including the Future of Television, facilitated by EY. Cohen is a Queens native, with a bachelor’s degree in communications from Adelphi University. He was recognized by Adweek as a “Media All Star” and was part of the “Adweek 50” in 2012.

In 2016, David was elected to the Board of Directors of Partnership with Children a non-profit whose mission is to strengthen the emotional, social, and cognitive skills of vulnerable children in New York City to help them succeed in school, society, and life.

David enjoys spending time with his wife and two teenage daughters. A self-described gadget-geek and sometimes fitness fanatic – he ran the NYC Marathon in 2014 and 2019 and Boston Marathon in 2016.

Pete Crofut is Vice President, Business Development – Agencies & Brands at Wurl, a leader in the streaming TV industry. In his role, Pete oversees Wurl’s agency and brand advertiser partnerships, helping clients grow brand loyalty and reach new audiences on streaming TV. As Google’s former Chief Business Strategist, Google Marketing Platforms, he partnered with the company’s largest customers to enable their digital transformations, helping to drive more than $1 billion in incremental revenue on an annual basis. He also served as Director of Partnerships for other major advertising and technology companies prior to Wurl, including InfoTrust and Adswerve. Peter currently resides in Portland, Oregon. In his free time, he likes to spend time traveling, skiing, and golfing with his family.

You never know what you can do until you try”, a powerful mantra repeated and
believed by Media Personality, Deja Vu. The power of the microphone taught Deja that
connecting with her audience was not just a byproduct of a cushy job, but a
responsibility to inspire and motivate the people listening to her daily program. She
capitalized on this mission by launching her own teen non-profit organization called
“The Flava Unit”, whose members gave back to society by performing service projects.
While on-air Deja Vu brings a unique energy to celeb news and culture, all the while
keeping her finger on the pulse of the community. She’s heard across the country
through her daily radio programs on ABC Audio’s Nationally Syndicated “The Deja Vu
Show”, WBLS New York and SiriusXM-The Heat. She can also be heard and seen, as
the announcer for Live with Kelly & Mark.
As a motivational speaker & life coach, Deja shares her stories from the entertainment
world to empower women to pursue their dreams, and provides them with the tools to
“Ignite Your Hustle”, her system that promotes next-level goal planning with sustainable
results; using her book “Live Your Life Transformed and Repurposed”as a companion
guide.
Under her DejaVuSpeaks.com umbrella, you’ll find Déjà’s other ventures including, her
podcast “The HustleHer’s Guide”, Faith Grace and Hustle and HealthyHerLife; her
business, spiritual and fitness brand extensions.
She gives back to the community through philanthropic endeavors with her monthly Hustler’s
Micro-Grant for small business owners.

Brian Fisher is the Senior Vice President, Digital Sales, for Estrella Media. In his role he is tasked with growing and developing Estrella Media’s digital sales opportunities across its broadcast and streaming platforms. He brings over 25 years of extensive media knowledge in both traditional and digital formats to the role. He has a multifaceted, consultative approach to sales, reflecting skills he learned when he started his career as a media buyer at McCann-Erickson, one of the world’s leading advertising agencies.

Brian joined the executive leadership team at Estrella Media following his entrepreneurial passion for building and strengthening smaller media properties such as ShermansTravel, Beamly, and RGM Group.  He helped establish Tribune Media’s 42 local stations as a viable alternative to major national news platforms before its acquisition by Nexstar Media Group in 2019. Previously, he was a Senior Account Executive at Bloomberg Media, handling the network’s largest account list and focusing his attention on cross-platform video opportunities, including linear, digital, and OTT.

He spent 11 years at the ABC Television network, where he was appointed as the National Vice President of Digital Sales in 2007.  Brian was responsible for ABC’s Full Episode Player, ABC.com, ABCNews.com, GMA on Y!, Oscar.com, SOAPnet.com, and the Hulu Network.  Prior to his promotion, he was an Account Executive for Broadcast News Sales and a Senior Account Executive for Digital Sales.

In 1999, Brian made his first foray into the digital space at LookSmart, one of the leading search directories, and then strategically moved to The Excite Network as an Account Executive representing iWon.com and Excite

No other DJ has the 363-degree reach of Funk Flex.

An icon in the hip-hop community, Flex was just 16 when he started DJing in NYC clubs. Today he spins for over 8,000 club-goers a week.

Flex started his radio career at KISS FM, followed by a brief stint at WBLS, before finding a home at HOT 97 where he has been “dropping bombs” at the hip-hop station for over two decades. 

His music and lifestyle site, InFlexWeTrust.com, attracts three million unique visitors a month. Meanwhile, his smartphone app, which offers users daily mixes and instrumentals, has over 500,000 downloads.  Flex recently partnered with Simon & Schuster for a new book about rapper Notorious B.I.G.  He has also partnered with Beats by Dre for his own addition of the famous headphones. Sean Combs named Flex as one of the newest “Ciroc Boys,” and he also works with the electronics brand Panasonic.

While his status in hip-hop is undeniable, his brand extends beyond hip-hop. A lover of cars, Flex owns over 20 muscle cars. This passion led to him hosting a variety of car-themed shows, including Ride With Funkmaster Flex, The Funkmaster Flex Super Series Invitational, All Muscle with Funkmaster Flex, Fast Machines with Funkmaster Flex, and Funk Flex Full Throttle. His notoriety as a car aficionado led to a deal with Ford Motor Company to customize their cars. He is currently working with car manufacturer Chevrolet.

Funk Flex is the founding member of the new DJ Crew, LitDigitalDJs which includes DJ Khaled, DJ Mustard, DJ Vashtie, and Swizz Beatz.  Most recently, Flex will be playing himself on an upcoming episode of Fox’s hit TV show “Empire” (season 2 – episode 8).

With over two decades in media sales, Gisella Fu-Ripp has been instrumental in building and scaling brands by harnessing the power of young adult consumer generations. She leads strategic partnerships within the multicultural U.S. media space, guiding legacy and challenger brands through the Spanish and bilingual landscape to connect with the 18-34 Latino audience.

As SVP of Sales & Strategic Partnerships at LatiNation Media, she drives multiplatform revenue strategies across Linear, CTV/OTT, and social influencer campaigns, securing over 100 brand partnerships and fueling double-digit revenue growth in 2024.

Gisella has held senior roles at Univision, Telemundo, Azteca TV, Discovery en Español, and GolTV, solidifying her reputation in bilingual and English-language Latino media. A Cynopsis Top Women in Media honoree, she pioneers brand opportunities that amplify Latino voices, culture, and identity while shaping the future of media engagement.

Before joining the IAB, Cintia Gabilan had experience working across global ad agencies (Wunderman Thompson and Dentsu), CPG (Unilever), and tech companies (Facebook and Amazon). She has global experience driving growth by overseeing marketing, communications, and sales strategy. With a Master’s in Business, she most recently built many strategic and significant marketing programs at Amazon Ads, such as their Customer Advisory Boards, Analysts Relations, Competitive Intelligence program, and more. You can find her exploring nature, playing sports, and baking with her husband and daughter in her free time.

Travis combines the experience of a client-side marketer at a top global brand with extensive Ad Tech experience. He joins VIZIO from Rakuten Marketing where he served as Senior Vice President of Client Services, leading a team of 140 CS professionals managing over 1500 performance marketing clients including leading retailers like Walmart, Macy’s and Sephora. Travis has led multiple award-winning organizations including the 2012 Advertiser Perceptions Highest Rated Media Brand for Advertiser Satisfaction in the U.S. at YuMe and mThink’s Best Affiliate Network for service and innovation each and every year he was at Rakuten.

Prior to moving into Ad Tech in 2010, Travis was at Intel Corporation where he held a number of strategic marketing and media positions, including overseeing all media spending for
consumer campaigns globally.

Travis currently resides in Park City, UT with his wife and two kids. Outside of work you can find him and his family skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking and generally exploring the outdoors.

Travis holds a BS, Computer Science from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Michael is an experienced, entrepreneurially driven C-level executive with a demonstrated history of digital media category creation – Interactive Television, Internet Web Services, Digital OOH and Placed-based media, Desktop, Mobile, Video, CTV/OTT, FAST/AVOD, and Auto – and high performance team building and leadership. Skilled in Digital Strategy, Sales and Revenue Operations (Managed Service and Programmatic), Sales Enablement and Training, Strategic Partnerships, and Marketing. Hudes has significant experience building and managing international networks and partners across the America’s, Europe and Asia (incl. India, China).

Chris is the CEO and co-founder of Upwave, the leading analytics software platform giving brands, agencies, and media partners a unified, cross-media solution to measure brand advertising.

Chris is a serial tech entrepreneur with experience in enterprise software, big data, brand marketing, financial services, and management consulting.

He founded multiple web startups, including an online college textbook market and DeliveryEdge, a same-day delivery service for consumer goods startup. Earlier in his career, Chris worked in Marketing and Business Development for SavvyMoney, was a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Co. and an Investor at Matrix Partners.

Chris is an accomplished Founder, Entrepreneur, and Venture Capitalist. Chris holds a degree in finance and economics from the University of Notre Dame.

As the Chief Investment and Activation Officer for dentsu’s media service line, Cara brings together the teams behind all media channels including video, radio, OOH, print, digital and programmatic, paid social, search, and retail media. She also oversees disciplines across brand assurance, economic empowerment, productivity, sports, research and insights, and business transformation and strategy.

Cara has been with dentsu since 2010 and most recently served as Chief Investment Officer where she managed $22B in annual investments for all dentsu’s media clients in the US market, overseeing all US investment activities including publisher direct media, biddable media, research, economic empowerment, productivity and strategic partnerships. She was tasked with maximizing efficiencies for her clients by leveraging the collective buying power of dentsu and delivering innovative solutions that address the changes in the media landscape.

Her media career spans 25+ years, with five years of DTC experience between two of the biggest Pharmaceutical Companies (Pfizer and Glaxo SmithKline). Cara also has a strong background in packaged goods and retail, working on the SC Johnson and Sears business for over nine years, as well as a handful of travel accounts. Her past agency experience includes MediaEdge, TN, Initiative, and MPG.

Cara was named as Cynopsis’ Top Women in Media in 2020 as an Industry Leader. She was also honored as a She Runs It Working Mother of the Year in 2020. Cara’s expertise is constantly tapped by industry reporters and has been featured in Adweek, Digiday, and MediaPost, to name a few. Cara will also serve as a charter member on the newly formed OAAA Agency Council.

Cara serves on the Executive Board for The Valerie Fund and currently runs sales and promotion for Careoke for the Kids, an industry event in its 19th year. She was honored at The Valerie Fund Thanksgiving Gala in 2019 for her tremendous contributions to the cause. In November 2019, Cara was also an honoree at Coaches vs Cancer in 2011, a She Runs it Mother of the Year, Partnership with Children Gala honoree in June 2022, Campaign US Inspiring Women and Women in Media and Marketing honoree in 2023, and Young Audiences of New York honoree in March 2024. Cara was recognized at her previous agency with a 5th dot award. She is an 18-year breast cancer survivor and has started a non-profit, Media Ladies Conquering Cancer. She enjoys the beach, crafting, playing games, reading, sewing, traveling and most importantly being with her family.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-lewis-23a36417/

Kelly MacLean leads Engineering, Product, and Science for Amazon Ads’ Demand-Side Platform (DSP). The Amazon DSP is an industry-leading full-funnel advertising solution focused on delivering marketing objectives at scale. Prior to joining Amazon in 2023, Kelly helped build Meta’s (Facebook) advertising stack over 11 years. She most recently led Meta’s Business Products Engineering organization, building small business, enterprise, and core infrastructure products. Prior to this role, she led development and strategy for Ads Delivery, Auction, Machine-Learning, Brand, and Direct Response products; and built the first Emerging Countries, China, and Cross-Border product teams. Kelly’s been at the forefront of mobile and video advertising having been on the early teams developing video and mobile ads on Facebook, mobile app ads, and Facebook’s mobile ad DSP & networks. She lived and worked in four countries and opened Facebook’s first ads engineering office in EMEA. Prior to Facebook, Kelly held several leadership positions leading engineering, product, marketing, and operations at Flite (acquired by Snap Inc), LiveRamp (formerly Rapleaf), and Dell. Her first career was playing National Team and professional level soccer for the Canadian National Team and Whitecaps FC.Kelly graduated from Purdue University and holds an MBA from Stanford.

Esther Maguire is the Head of Product Marketing & Strategy at LG Ad Solutions. A dynamic marketing strategist with a passion for product innovation and cultural narratives, she builds confidence across disciplines, translating needs into opportunities. Esther has overseen several M&As, corporate rebrand initiatives and conversion of top tier brands to enterprise platform clients at a global scale during her tenure

Chiquis Marin is a dynamic millennial Latina leader whose influence spans multiple
industries, from entertainment and music (three-time GRAMMY winner) to
entrepreneurship and media production. With an entrepreneurial spirit that has
fueled her career, she first made her mark in television and cable with Chiquis in Control before expanding into music, beauty and skincare, reality competition series,
and publishing.
Today, she serves as Executive Producer and Chief Creative Officer of Busy Bee
Productions, where she continues to shape impactful storytelling. She developed
and stars in Foodie on the Go, a food and travel series with LatiNation Media
highlighting small businesses, historic restaurants, and culinary
entrepreneurs.

Tony Marlow is the Chief Marketing Officer for LG Ad Solutions, where he uses data-driven insights to lead all aspects of marketing and communications. Previously, Tony was CMO at Integral Ad Science, where he helped transform the brand into a recognized and trusted partner, and took the company public through an IPO in 2021. Before IAS, he was the CMO at Data Axle, Global Head and Vice President of B2B Marketing at Yahoo, and consulted on a range of media and technology-related projects at Nielsen Online (APAC). He is also the co-founder of a mobile app development company called Appy Dragon (creators of RacerTracer).


Currently, he is on the Board of Advisers for a social measurement startup SocialStatus.io and serves on the Advisory Council for Colorado State University-Global Campus (CSU-Global) to which he delivered the 2017 commencement speech. He has also served on the board of directors for the IAB’s Research Council, IAB Video Center and the Media Ratings Council. Tony attended the Australian National University and the University of Wollongong, holding Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and commerce and a Master’s degree in strategic marketing. In his spare time, he is also an Ironman triathlete.

Sheila Marmon has a passion for launching new businesses in the digital media and technology industries where she has created and led innovative platforms for over 20 years. With a focus on growth markets, her expertise delivers meaningful financial returns for digital publishers, creators, investors, and multinational clients.

As Founder + CEO of Mirror Digital, a technology-enabled digital media and publishing company, she helps leading global brands tap into the fastest growing segments of the U.S. consumer base – diverse and culture-first markets. A pioneer in this space for over 13 years, Sheila and her team have executed over 1,500 digital media programs for leading clients including Amazon, AT&T, Comcast, Disney, General Motors, Haleon, McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, SheaMoisture, Universal Pictures, and Walmart among others.

Sheila has been featured in global publications including Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, and The Financial Times, and has received numerous industry and civic awards such as being named to the 2025 Inc. Female Founders List, named one of the Top Women in Media and Ad Tech by Ad Monsters & Ad Exchanger and leading Mirror Digital to be recognized as a “Best Place to Work” by Ad Age and one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. Magazine for two years in a row. She serves on several nonprofit boards including the American Advertising Federation where she chairs the Digital Committee.

Sheila graduated with a B.A. from Princeton University, cum laude, and an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband Steven Heuer.

Vikrant is the co-founder of ad-supported streaming player Future Today. A seasoned Silicon Valley media executive with 15+ years of experience in designing, developing, launching and growing complex technical products both with startups and Fortune 500 companies, Vikrant co-founded Future Today Inc. as a video distribution & technology company that currently is a leading streaming technology provider specializing in OTT and CTV ad-supported solutions for content creators and advertisers. The comprehensive portfolio of technology and services includes Channel as a Service (CaaS), FAST Channel launch, content management and publishing, app development and maintenance, cross-channel promotion, advertising, monetization and more.

In his role at Future Today, Vikrant is responsible for building and growing content partnerships, managing relationships with OEMs, as well as overseeing the company’s monetization strategy and relationships with advertising partners. Before founding Future Today, he oversaw Product Management at ExpertHub, a startup that was acquired by Internet Brands, and was a senior Product Executive at Telephia, a wireless network performance and measurement company that was acquired by AC Nielsen.

Serge Matta is the President of Global Ad Sales at LG Ad Solutions. His expertise lies in leading sales teams across industries to meet revenue goals and creating strategic, symbiotic partnerships. Prior to joining LG Ad Solutions, Serge held multiple leadership positions at different companies – he was the CEO at Comscore, President of Global Sales and Marketing at GroundTruth, and CEO at video audience and content intelligence provider ICX Media. During his tenure at these companies, he helped grow the businesses and strengthen their sales forces. He completed his MBA at American University and resides in Vienna, Virginia

Kelly McMahon has extensive work experience in the advertising and media industry. Kelly is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Operations at LG Ad Solutions. Prior to that, she worked at VideoAmp as the Senior Vice President of Sell-Side Solutions from 2021 to 2022 where she led their initiatives for alternative currency adoption with the top US media publishers. Kelly’s longest tenure was at SpotX (now part of Magnite), where she held several senior leadership roles from 2013 to 2021. This includes positions such as Senior Vice President of Global Demand Operations, Senior Vice President of Global Operations, and VP of Global Demand Operations. Before SpotX, Kelly worked at K-Media as a Consultant from 2011 to 2013, where she specialized in ad operations and campaign management for various online verticals. Kelly also served as the Director of Advertising Operations at Altitude Digital Partners from 2011 to 2012, where she played a key role in developing operational strategies and building the company’s customer success model. Overall, Kelly McMahon has a strong background in advertising operations, strategic leadership, revenue management, and customer success, making her a valuable asset in the industry.

Nessa a powerhouse in radio, TV, and podcasting with nearly 20 years in broadcasting, is the host of the #1 afternoon Hip Hop radio show in the country on HOT 97 and is nationally syndicated, reaching over a million listeners weekly. From interviewing celebrities like Drake, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and more, Nessa also earned a New York Emmy nomination for her work on NBC’s Talk Stoop. Nessa appeared on The Today Show with Jenna & Friends and is the go-to host for MTV red carpets and aftershows. She’s partnered with brands like Nike, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney. 

A UC Berkeley graduate, Nessa is also a published author of the children’s book We Are Free, You and Me. She launched the Nessa On Air Scholarship, and co-founded Know Your Rights Camp with her husband, Super Bowl Quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

As a founding member of VIZIO Ads’ Media & Entertainment ad sales team, Anh Nguyen has been instrumental in scaling the business from inception to an industry powerhouse in just five years. Under her leadership, VIZIO Ads has built unprecedented partnerships with studios, broadcast networks, and SVOD apps, driving innovation in the CTV space. Now leading a team of senior sellers, Anh has fostered a culture of strategic thinking and disruption, guiding VIZIO Ads through its transformation from a private company to a publicly traded entity, and now, its acquisition by Walmart. She launched and developed the first-ever VIZIO Rendezvous, an exclusive industry leadership event for top entertainment clients.

Before VIZIO Ads, Anh spent a decade shaping the digital media landscape at Refinery29 and SHE Media – leading digital strategy, creative content, influencer, and experiential activations. She began her career on the agency side, working with major entertainment clients like NBCU and Summit Entertainment. A UCLA Economics graduate and a 2022 ThinkLA Salesperson of the Year finalist, Anh is a one-of-one leader redefining what’s possible in CTV advertising.

A results-oriented revenue and operations leader responsible for developing growth strategies at VIZIO’s Inscape data division, a leading provider of automatic content recognition (ACR) technologies and TV data. Fueling the data-driven strategy for VIZIO’s CTV business and leading data monetization for third-party measurement platforms powering the future of TV currency.

Ken is a sales and marketing executive with expertise in media measurement. Prior to Inscape, Ken was responsible for setting and implementing business development strategies at Nielsen across advertiser verticals for Nielsen Brand Effect, a cross-platform TV, digital, and social ad resonance measurement solution. Ken is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and resides in New York City.

Mike O’Donnell is the Chief Revenue/ Strategic Growth Officer for VIZIO, the second largest smart TV company in America. In his first year at VIZIO, O’Donnell not only led the launch of VIZIO’s exploding direct-to-device advertising business, but his team has transformed the streaming ecosystem on VIZIO’s SmartCast platform by launching over 100 new free ad-supported linear channels and striking new deals with Disney/ESPN/ABC, Peacock and NBCUniversal, Apple, Marvel, Amazon, and dozens more.


An advertising industry veteran, Mike helped pioneer the first generation of connected TV advertising solutions at YUME as SVP of North America where he helped grow the company from a start-up to its listing on the NYSE. Prior to joining VIZIO, O’Donnell served as Chief Revenue Officer of Connekt and led distribution and monetization efforts of their Smart TV technology platform.

Andrés Palencia is the trailblazing millennial Latino Co-Founder & CEO of LatiNation Media, a multiplatform media company unapologetically leaning into its Latino identity. He is a media executive who redefines an industry’s culture and language, and, above all else, he is a staunch advocate for identity. A former network creative executive, he blends storytelling and strategy as he leads a company that is a challenger brand, creating content for and with the 18-34 Latino generation in English. Under his leadership, the company has achieved double-digit revenue growth, 100+ brand partnerships, a leading digital ad sales network and influencer network, and expanded broadcast and AVOD distribution. With brands like LATV and its award-winning original programming, Andrés is reshaping Latino representation’s face, voice, identity, and the content driving it.

Jennifer is VP, Audience Impact & Intelligence at Paramount where she leads ad effectiveness measurement across the company’s platforms and properties. In her career, she has led audience research teams and developed proprietary data products that have empowered Paramount’s ad sales team with deep intelligence on audiences and ad campaign effectiveness.

Katherine Pond is Group Vice President at VIZIO, leading digital distribution, content acquisition & programming, platform partnerships, and enterprise programs.  Since joining VIZIO in 2012, she’s initiated, negotiated, and closed deals across content distribution and acquisition, IP technology, advertising, and data verticals. Katherine has a history of building, growing, and monetizing new lines of business, including VIZIO’s owned and operated service, WatchFree+.  She leads the teams responsible for closing deals with Amazon, Apple, Disney, Google, Netflix, Warner Bros., Discovery, and more.  Katherine is passionate about the development and success of future generations, serving as a mentor at her alma mater and co-founding VIZIO’s Ascend Women’s Network.

Nyma Quidwai is the VP of Client Services and Inventory Partnerships at VIZIO Ads, leading the development of campaign management across direct buys and overseeing the programmatic ad stack.

She has extensive experience in the ad tech community from content partnership curation to demand facilitation with an emphasis on CTV. Her focus lies in developing yield management and monetization strategies.

She was named DMN’s 40under40 and is a published Forbes author on CTV.

Albert Rodriguez joined MediaCo as Chief Revenue Officer of the company, and President of MediaCo Audio, before becoming Interim CEO and President in October 2024. Rodriguez spent 24 years at Spanish Broadcasting System from 1999. At SBS he held various roles with increasing importance, including general sales manager for SBS Radio, general manager of Miami TV station Mega TV, SBS CRO and COO, prior to earning the title of president.

Christina Ruiz is the VP of Platform+ Go To Market at VIZIO, where she leads the strategy for Ads and Inscape product marketing and enablement in close collaboration with the Product and Sales leadership teams. She also oversees all B2B communications and events in line with product GTM planning.

With 20 years of experience in the media industry and digital advertising, Christina has spent 15 of those focused on building an expertise in the OTT landscape. Before joining VIZIO, she served as VP of Go to Market at Connekt, where she led efforts for their Smart TV technology platform and as VP of Client Services at YuMe, overseeing national operations.

René Santaella serves as Chief Digital & Streaming Officer for Estrella Media. Santaella was previously EVP, Digital & Streaming Media, and is credited with launching the company’s successful streaming and AVOD platforms and leading the digital transformation of Estrella Media’s content and distribution strategy, operations, and new revenue initiatives. Under his guidance, Estrella Media has quickly become a leader in multi-platform, Spanish-language, ad-supported content distribution, with a digital content reach of more than 4 billion minutes per month, viewed across its multiplatform media portfolio, including its FAST, AVOD, and streaming audio platforms.


Among the platforms that have launched under his guidance are: the EstrellaTV APP available on Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, Samsung, Vizio, iOS and Android mobile; four Estrella Media curated live streaming T.V. networks – EstrellaTV, Estrella News, CineEstrellaTV and Estrella Games – seen across The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Vizio WatchFree, Xumo, Xfinity Flex, PlutoTV, Amazon News, Tubi and FuboTV. Estrella Media is a top 20 leader in streaming audio with stations like Que Buena Los Angeles, QB Underground, La Raza and El Norte – all available on TuneIn, the EstrellaTV APP and EstrellaTV.com.


Prior to joining Estrella Media, Santaella was the Senior Vice President, Head of Ad Sales & Business Operations, at Sony Pictures Television Digital Networks, and built Crackle into a leading free ad-supported streaming network with the Emmy nominated hit, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.  He also led the creation of a premium video network for advertisers targeting a large audience of “connected gamers” that included PlayStation, Funimation, Pluto TV and Crackle. Before Sony, he was Director, Ad Sales Marketing for Disney Interactive, leading digital and cross-platform advertising and integrated marketing solutions across the company with corporate alliance partners.


Santaella is based in the company’s Burbank headquarters and reports to Peter Markham, CEO of Estrella Media. He was named to The Wrap’s 2023 “Latino Power List,” and the Estrella News FAST channel received the prestigious “Achievement in FAST Programming” award from NextTV under his guidance. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA and a Bachelor’s degree from UCLA. He was also a member of the Puerto Rican National Swim Team and UCLA Men’s Swim Team.

Jack is responsible for ensuring alignment between DV’s commercial and product organizations. He manages senior level product relationships with key customers, identifies new client-driven product opportunities and supports sales efforts. Prior to joining DV, Jack served as Global Chief Product Officer, Investment at Group M, where he developed products and platforms that empowered teams to make better decisions about where to invest over $80 billion of media spend. Previously, Jack co-founded the machine learning company Solariat, which was acquired by Genesys. He brings over 25 years of experience in executive strategy, technology, client and market insight to his role as Chief Innovation Officer. Jack holds seven patents in AI and machine learning for signal detection in natural language and the prediction of consumer media consumption.

Aaron Sobol possesses nearly two decades of media experience, having worked with renowned brands such as Unilever, Coca Cola, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Microsoft. Alongside his proficiency in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), Automotive, and Technology sectors, Aaron has also made contributions to businesses within the Government, Retail, Pharmaceutical, and Gaming industries.

Aaron is responsible for leading North America Media Investment and Data Governance at Unilever. His key responsibilities encompass developing strategies across retail and national media investments, managing agency relations, formulating Joint Business Plans (JBPs) and partnerships, promoting responsible data usage, collaboration, and consumer relationship management and ensuring that Unilever’s brands achieve positive business outcomes.

Aaron is actively participating in industry groups such as IAB, ANA, MMA and serves on partner councils and advisory boards. Aaron was awarded both the 2024 IAB Service of Excellence Award and the 2024 212NYC Decade of Digital Excellence Award.

Prior to launching MeritTV with longtime friend Dr. Phil McGraw, Solomon served as Chairman & CEO of Tennis Channel. For nearly two decades he led the LIVE and original sports & lifestyle brand in building a media powerhouse, harnessing first-mover technology innovation in merging content and messaging seamlessly across all popular platforms. Recent launches included “T2”, an early award-winning live sports FAST network, and Pickleball TV which launched in over 200 million homes.

Earlier Solomon served as Universal TV President, DreamWorks co-head, President Scripps Networks Fine Living, Chaiman Ovation TV, FOX Broadcasting EVP, as well as senior roles at Disney, Paramount and co-founded iBlast. Solomon has received numerous honors including the NYJTL, ADL, AIPAC and the H.E.L.P. Group, and served on the President Committee for the Arts & Humanities under President Obama.

As Executive Vice President of Television Programming, Ivan Stoilkovich is responsible for all aspects of production and day-to-day operations for all the programming and content developed and produced by Estrella TV Network. He joined the company in 2000.

In this role, Stoilkovich oversees all aspects of production, including its day-to-day operations.  He will be responsible for all programing and content – everything from idea generation to execution – developed and produced by Estrella TV Network.

A twenty-year Hollywood and broadcast veteran, Stoilkovich began his career in 1995 when he co-founded his own production company Island Media.  He has produced myriad television commercials and has production credits in documentaries, television shows and feature films, and a visual effects background. 

Stoilkovich holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Scott is the Head of Growth Marketing at iFIT, a leading global health software technology company providing fitness solutions to 6 million members in 120 countries. iFIT owns the well-known personal and commercial exercise equipment brands NordicTrack, Pro-Form, and FreeMotion.

Scott has 20+ years of experience leading growth strategy through go-to-market activation for leading global brands—both in agency and direct client roles—across the CPG, technology, automotive, hospitality, telecom, and retail categories.

He is a passionate believer in full-funnel marketing and knows the answer to “Brand or performance?” is “Brand AND performance!”

Bruno Seros Ulloa is a creative, executive, and entrepreneur reshaping the Latino media landscape. As Co-Founder, President, and COO of LatiNation Media, he has transformed its flagship network, Latino Alternative TV (LATV), into a leader in cultural storytelling and digital innovation, achieving double-digit revenue growth in 2024. Since assuming leadership in 2019, Bruno has focused on engaging the 18-34 Latino demographic, driving original programming with impactful Latinos like Chiquis and Xolo Maridueña.

A Cornell University graduate and former bilingual host, writer, and producer, Bruno blends creative vision with business acumen, producing over 3,000 hours of content and earning recognition as one of the Imagen Foundation’s “Most Influential Latinos in Entertainment.” Outside the office, he performs improv, designs for his brand Dirty But Delicate, and champions mindfulness as a tool for creativity. Bruno’s work continues to redefine Latino media and culture.

Domenic Venuto, EVP, Chief Product and Data officer at Horizon Media, leads enterprise product, data, and AI strategies to optimize client growth. Formerly COO at Progress Partners, he scaled M&A and venture initiatives in media and advertising. At Amobee, he managed $320M revenue, grew SaaS platform profits, and led the integration of Videology’s CTV platform. At The Weather Channel, Domenic led product development, drove AI-powered ad innovation, and expanded digital reach to over a 1B users globally. As Publicis Groupe’s Global President of Data, Technology & Partnerships, he standardized operations and managed key partnerships with Google and Facebook. A thought leader and board advisor, Domenic holds an MBA from RMIT University.

Katlyn Wilson is the Director of Branded Content & Sponsorships at VIZIO, leading the Home Screen team responsible for developing and activating custom campaigns for national advertisers across the glass of all active VIZIO devices. With an extensive background in content production for both linear and streaming networks, Katlyn is passionate about the intersection of advertising and entertainment, having produced and deployed content campaigns for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Katlyn was recently named as a Top Woman in Media by Cynopsis and is currently completing an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business.