James Sauerwein III
Richmond,VA
Summary
A dynamic leader in programmatic media buying with a proven track record of managing over $20 million in client budgets. Expert in enhancing campaign effectiveness through data-driven strategies, leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results for renowned brands. Selected to represent the agency at the Google Masters of Leadership Summit.
Overview
5
5
Certifications
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Digital Activation
OMG Outcomes
Richmond, VA
06.2026 - Current
- Lead new client pod focusing on digital media activation, across programmatic search and social campaigns
- Establish and lead programmatic and RMN task forces across the organization to organize and formalize best practices for all lines of business
- Conduct training sessions to enhance team expertise in programmatic strategies.
- On-boarded new clients, managing complex media plans and strategies across multiple partners and shareholders
- Drive campaigns to KPI based goals as agreed upon with the clients
Associate Director, Programmatic
PHD Media
Richmond, Virginia
01.2024 - 05.2026
- Designed media effectiveness testing frameworks for restaurant brands including Burger King, Popeyes, Tim Hortons, and Firehouse Subs
- Managed direct and programmatic media across diverse formats such as streaming audio, organic social, display, and podcast host reads and more
- Led industry innovations with Omnicom Media Group’s Programmatic Center of Excellence to establish best practices
- Executed CDP implementation and MMP measurement initiatives, improving campaign effectiveness through data-driven insights
- Developed and implemented optimization workflow guidelines, facilitating regular strategy meetings to align team efforts
- Collaborated with agency teams to unify campaign approaches, enhancing overall execution and performance
- Stewarded budgets exceeding $20 million across the client portfolio.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in processes, procedures, systems and services
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance campaign performance and execution
- Mentored junior team members on best practices in media planning and strategy
- Assisted senior leadership team in developing long-term strategic plans for the organization
Supervisor, Programmatic
PHD Media
Phoenix, USA
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Analyzed and optimized media impact performance, aligning digital KPIs with broader client goals
- Advised internal and client teams on best practices to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency in digital media
- Create cohesive campaign structures with internal leadership from separate disciplines to maximize campaign performance
- Create internal procedures to monitor performance, budget, billing, launch timelines, creative messaging calendars, and reporting windows
- Managed external brand vendor relationships, tailoring each campaign to meet specific client needs
Senior Analyst, Programmatic
PHD Media
Charlotte, USA
03.2021 - 07.2022
- Trained traditional linear programmatic teams on execution within programmatic channels chosen by PHD leadership to enhance team capabilities.
- Developed and presented a winning case study for an internal OMG cross-agency competition, showcasing innovative strategies and best practices.
- Analyzed client data to identify trends and insights for strategic planning.
- Managed project timelines and deliverables to ensure alignment with client goals.
Analyst, Programmatic
PHD Media
Charlotte, USA
06.2019 - 03.2021
- Managed multiple advertising campaigns for clients including Mailchimp, SAP, Longchamp, Volkswagen, First Midwest Bank, Oatly, Kohler, Delta Airlines, and Cirque du Soleil
- Analyzed media performance data to identify trends and insights.
Education
BS - Business Administration
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12-2017
Skills
- Programmatic advertising expertise
- DSP optimization
- Media strategy and implementation
- Cross-channel strategy
- Data analysis
- Best practices development
- Team leadership
Certification
Yahoo DSP Certification
Timeline
Director, Digital Activation
OMG Outcomes
06.2026 - Current
Associate Director, Programmatic
PHD Media
01.2024 - 05.2026
Supervisor, Programmatic
PHD Media
07.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Analyst, Programmatic
PHD Media
03.2021 - 07.2022
Analyst, Programmatic
PHD Media
06.2019 - 03.2021
BS - Business Administration
Liberty University