EVP, Head of Digital & Programmatic

The EVP, Head of Digital & Programmatic reports to the Chief Digital Officer, dentsu Media US within the dentsu Investment & Activation team.  The role includes oversight of programmatic and digital activation for all client relationships across Carat, iProspect and dentsuX.   Requirements include a business-oriented determination to drive digital innovation, deliver exceptional campaign results, team efficiency and agency profitability. This role is pivotal in driving the strategic direction and execution of our digital media campaigns, overseeing a large team of media practitioners focused on both direct insertion orders (IO) and hands-on keyboard programmatic advertising. The EVP works with a team of SVPs and VPs to drive the overall strategy and approach for each client engagement, identifies opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, and works with resource management to manage resources effectively.  As a member of the investment & activation senior leadership team, this role also provides ongoing feedback to senior management on market needs, product development and opportunities and insights to “future-proof” the business and build on dentsu’ reputation as a leader in the Digital space.

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of media practitioners, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

• Implement robust training and development programs to ensure team members are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and skills.

• Drive employee engagement and retention through effective leadership and motivational strategies.

• Contribute on panels, fireside chats and other public speaking opportunities to represent dentsu as a leader in the digital and programmatic space at industry events.

• Participate in organic and new business pitches on a routine basis.

Strategic Vision and Execution

• Develop and execute comprehensive digital and programmatic media strategies that align with the agency's goals and client needs.

• Stay ahead of industry trends and proactively adapt strategies to maintain competitive advantage. Including developing leading uses of AI, tool & process improvements and product development.

• Innovate and refine digital media approaches to optimize campaign performance and efficiency.

• Has a deep understanding of the programmatic space and can identify opportunities to enhance & grow platform approaches both with internal and external tools and resources.

• Responsible for adherence to client contracts/SOWs, developing joint staffing plans cross channel and profitability of book of business

Client Relations and Satisfaction

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, earning their trust and loyalty through consistent delivery of high-quality results.

• Proactively seek client feedback and implement improvements to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.

• Connect regularly with agency leadership to assess account health and to create strategic goals for improvement and growth.

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities and growth plans with existing clients to drive revenue growth.

• Partner closely with internal teams and counterparts including agencies, partnerships, Merkury, and Amplifi.

Innovation and Technology

• Explore and integrate new technologies and platforms to expand the agency's digital capabilities in tandem with partnerships team.

• Lead initiatives to enhance the agency's programmatic media offerings and drive innovation in digital advertising.

• Contribute to dentsu operational and team strategy. Work to future proof the business by solving problems and identifying ways to grow capabilities.

Qualifications: