AdTechGod Pod

Zach Lain, Director of Global Data Partnerships at PepsiCo, shares insights from his unique journey through law and data strategy in marketing. He emphasizes the shift from vanity metrics to meaningful outcomes in advertising. Lain discusses the transformative role of clean rooms in data collaboration and how AI can spark creativity, turning errors into innovation at events like Cannes. He also raises awareness about the growing threat of CTV ad fraud, reinforcing the vital need for integrity in digital advertising.

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 engaging discussion, Taylor Simons, founder of TCHT and former MediaMath executive, shares his intentional journey into ad tech. He reflects on the painful lessons learned from MediaMath's bankruptcy and the current trends reshaping the industry, such as the dynamics of SSPs versus DSPs. Taylor sheds light on the complexities of bid duplication and advocates for Supply Path Optimization. He emphasizes the limits of the open exchange and reveals how AI could revolutionize programmatic advertising, creating new opportunities in the process.

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

Fariba Zamaniyan, Global Vice President of Data Monetization at TiVo, shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to AdTech leader. She discusses TiVo's transformation from a simple DVR to a data powerhouse, showcasing how they adapt to the streaming revolution. The conversation dives into the vital role of metadata in a cookie-less world and the industry's shift towards alternative currencies for audience measurement. Fariba expresses her passion for the creative aspects of advertising and the exciting trends shaping its future.

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

Matt Black, an ad operations expert with a background in 3D animation and visual effects, shares his insights into the dynamic world of ad tech. He discusses the significant role of gut instinct in advertising, balancing intuition with data for better outcomes. Matt believes AI will optimize processes, yet human insight remains irreplaceable. His passion for collaboration shines through as he emphasizes creating supportive environments that value diverse perspectives, ultimately aimed at helping families through meaningful work in the industry.

Tom Goodwin, a seasoned marketer and public speaker, dives deep into the advertising landscape, revealing the chasm between marketing hype and consumer reality. He argues for the necessity of brand building in an age obsessed with metrics and immediate results. The discussion highlights the emotional disconnection caused by AI in advertising and the critical need for creative investment. Goodwin emphasizes balancing loyalty and performance, advocating for a shift toward authentic storytelling that resonates with consumers and fosters genuine connections.

In this week’s episode of The Refresh, Kait dives into the wave of major announcements that dominated Cannes Lions 2025 highlighting a shift inadvertising where TV and streaming platforms stole attention from AI. From exclusive inventory deals to AI-powered product placement, the episode unpacks how players like Amazon, Disney, Netflix, and Comcast are racing to transform TV into a full-funnel, performance-driven channel. As advertisers demand better data, measurement, and real-time capabilities, DSPs and media giants are forming strategic alliances to claim their spot at the top. We cover: Amazon and Roku Partner Up: Amazon secured exclusive access to Roku’s logged-in user base via its DSP, and integrated Disney’s Drax exchange to enable commerce-data targeting across Disney+ and Hulu inventory. Disney Expands DSP Access: Disney added 12 new DSPs to its “Disney Live Certified” program and is scaling its Magic Words AI targeting product to enhance live event advertising. Netflix Enters Virtual Ad Placement: Netflix is rolling out AI-driven dynamic ad products, including branded insertions during paused content—mirroring The Trade Desk and Rembrand’s new virtual product placement offerings. Walmart x NBCU and Comcast’s Triple Play: Walmart’s new partnership with NBCUniversal unlocks shopper data for cross-platform targeting, while Comcast announced three major updates spanning outcome-based measurement, dynamic shoppable ads, and identity resolution. Data Becomes the New Differentiator: With premium inventory access now considered baseline, platforms are competing on who can provide better data, targeting precision, and real-time performance insights—especially as programmatic buying expands in live content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Giuseppe La Rocca, VP Global Enterprise at StackAdapt, brings over a decade of experience from Yahoo and Verizon Media. He discusses his ascent in ad tech, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse client needs, particularly between mid-market and enterprise sectors. Giuseppe highlights how AI is transforming programmatic trading and the advertising landscape, especially with the rise of live sports on streaming platforms. He passionately advocates for innovation and maintaining a positive mindset amidst industry challenges.