Ep. 42 Stacy Bohrer from OpenX chats with AdTechGod
Aug 20, 2024
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Stacy Bohrer, Vice President of Buyer Development at OpenX, shares her extensive adtech expertise. She discusses the rise of streaming services and how AI enhances targeting. The importance of mentorship, self-awareness, and teamwork in career growth is emphasized, along with the need for transparency and responsible media practices in advertising. Stacy touches on the intersection of sustainability and advertising, and ethical challenges within the sector, promoting a culture of open communication and social responsibility.
Stacy Bohrer emphasizes the necessity for agility and adaptability in ad tech, highlighting how companies must evolve with client demands and market changes.
The podcast discusses the shift towards responsible media practices, reflecting a growing industry focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility in advertising campaigns.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Ad Tech Careers
Stacey Bohrer's career in the ad tech industry spans over 15 years, showcasing her growth from an assistant at Fox to her current role as vice president of buyer development at OpenX. After graduating with a degree in communication, she was introduced to the advertising world through networking connections, leading her on a path that included stints with major companies such as iHeartRadio and The Trade Desk. Throughout her journey, Bohrer emphasized the importance of agility and adaptability, noting how the organization's needs shape over the years from startup phases to substantial growth. Her time at The Trade Desk, in particular, provided valuable lessons in scaling operations and understanding client demands for transparency and direct communication in advertising.
The Shift Towards Curation and Transparency
The trend towards curation over open exchanges in advertising is becoming increasingly significant, as clients demand more control and transparency in their media buys. Bohrer highlighted that at OpenX, the focus has shifted toward carefully curated deals that prioritize transparency in data and inventory quality, leading to improved performance and reduced costs for clients. For instance, the elimination of multi-faceted attribution (MFA) from the supply chain has benefitted Connected TV (CTV) publishers by increasing revenue by 25%. This approach underscores the industry's movement away from merely amassing large inventories towards providing brands with quality, vetted environments for advertising.
The Importance of Responsible Media Practices
Responsible media practices are gaining traction in discussions within the advertising industry, reflecting a growing concern for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Bohrer noted that younger clients are increasingly inclined to engage in campaigns that have a positive societal impact, leading firms to integrate initiatives like diversity and inclusion along with environmental sustainability into their business models. Her pride in OpenX's commitment to net-zero emissions illustrates the industry's potential for contributing positively to the planet. The rise of partnerships, such as with Givesly, highlights how cause marketing can effectively enhance brand performance while promoting philanthropic efforts, establishing a holistic view of modern advertising.
Stacy is the Vice President of Buyer Development at OpenX. Her career in adtech spans more than 15 years, with a rich background that includes impactful roles at Crisp, iHeart, and Kinetic Social.
But Stacy’s most notable tenure was at The Trade Desk, where she spent nearly eight years as their Regional Vice President. During her time there, she played a huge role in shaping the company's growth and success, earning her a stellar reputation in the industry.