How did you get into AdTech, and what do you specialise in today?
I started in ad tech when the first ad networks were formed. I started atSoftbank Interactive Marketing and then became one of the first salespeople at Flycast. After Flycast, I joined Engage (CMGi Company) and migrated into strategic business development. From there, through working at multiple start-ups, my carrer evolved into applying my deep understanding of ad tech products into product development/GTM strategy roles where I've designed and patented CTV monetization solutions. Today, I specialize in helping companies innovate new technologies and bring them to market. I greatly enjoy the 0->1 process of forging new paths and then scaling them commercially.
What types of opportunities are you exploring right now?
Ideally, a role similar to what I was doing at Penthera. A combination of product innovation and commercialization. This includes product/market fit analysis, product design, securing the IP (if needed), designing the GTM approach, initial client/partner outreach and closure and commercialization for repeatable sale by sales/BD teams.
I recognize that a single role covering all of that may not be possible at many, particularly larger companies. As such, I'm also exploring roles that are focused on the individual components. For example, product management/development that drive innovation, strategic partnership/BD roles, etc.Q4
How has the job hunt in AdTech felt for you so far?
Not going as quickly as I would like, but that's probably to be expected. I'm fairly senior (last role on the Exec team of my company as an SVP). Have a few intersting conversations going but given its Q4 and many companies are budgeting for 2026, these discussions are on hold until that process is sorted out.
What’s been the biggest challenge for you?
Seeing intersting roles, applying for them and getting nowhere. I've been leveraging my network for introductions to raise my profile, but with limited effect. I'm concerned that my age and level of seniority are a barrier.
Which platforms or methods have helped you find opportunities?
Primarily JobsInAdtech.com and LinkedIn, some referrals from my network.
What Hiring Managers Should Know
What makes a job ad more attractive for you to apply for over another that doesn't?
A detiled description of the company, the space it occupies and it's overall business. Beyond that, a detailed description of the role and how it fits into that business. JDs that lack that level of detail make it difficult to evaluate the opportunity and how well it fits with my background/objectives.
When reading a job description, what do you look for first?
Company description, role description.
What signals tell you a company “gets” AdTech talent?
The level of detail in the role description and the specificity of the qualifications.
Conversely - what instantly turns you off a job ad?
No company description, lack of articulation on what part of the industry they operate within. Vague language about the role.
Interview & Process Insights
Have you noticed anything companies consistently do well — or poorly — in their hiring processes?
It is very helpful when a company, on the initial screening interview, provides a description of the hiring process/steps/timing. I've seen this done well and poorly. Having a clear idea of what's in store for you during the process sets expectations and provides perspective on how you are progressing through the process.
Beyond this, I've spoken with a few companies where the posted compensation range does not match the actual comp. range. This can be quite dissapointing - you land an initial interview (have managed to get through automated screening - a minor miracle) and then find out that the role doesn't come close to your baseline salary requirements.
How important is speed of response when evaluating roles?
Very. Either way, it's nice to know if there is hope or not for landing an interview. Get an answer and either prep for the call or move on.
Skills & Industry Perspective
Are any industry trends influencing your career choices?
Yes. The rapid change in CTV/OTT is driving opportunity to help evolve and improve processes that lead to better outcomes in terms of monetization and end user experience. Additionally, while there is a lot of white noise around AI, there are some very compelling use cases for how AI can deliver better outcomes in terms of efficiency (e.g. creative development, campaign management, content discovery) and performance (e.g. revenue generation, targeting/optimization). I am exploring both.
What do companies often misunderstand about candidates in AdTech?
This is a big topic. I'll try to be concise. Fundamentally, many comopanies don't understand adtech beyond a basic understanding of the acronyms. in other words, they don't understand HOW the technology works and EXACTLY what it is doing. For example, many publishers think of SSPs as "demand", they are not demand, that's the DSPs job (the hint is in the acronym). As a result, they make decisions that have negative impacts. This is illustrated by a publisher that uses a large number of SSPs. They gain nothing by doing so, but expose themselves to media arbitrage and the DSPs gaming their inventory to find it at the lowest possible cost.
Beyond this, I've seen companies that, once they've established their ad tech ecosystem believe that they've "checked that box" and move on. They don't continually strive to drive efficiency, evaluate new (potentially better) options and push to innovate.
Final Thoughts
Why should top companies want to hire you?
I am an action oriented "doer". I am a creative thinker that can understand complicated technology, identify new applications/vectors of opportunity and can translate complex topics into language that is easily understood by non-technical people. I work comfortably across technical, commercial, marketing and executive teams both internally and externally.
I'm comfortable in early stage/growth stage environments where there can be a fair amount of uncertainty. I am driven to find solutions to problems and am not precious about where a good idea comes from. I like to build understanding and consensus through discussion. I take pleasure in mentoring people and helping them improve and grow their careers.
Scott Halpert, Product Management, Strategic Partnerships, Business Development