TODD SMITHERN
Chicago,IL
Summary
- Digital advertising and media investment leader with 12+ years of experience shaping data-driven strategies across programmatic, digital audio, podcasting, digital video, YouTube, direct buys, and cross-channel media.
- Track record of strengthening investment strategy, improving operational rigor, developing talent, and advising senior stakeholders across complex client portfolios.
- Contributed to 9% annual revenue growth in 2026 while evolving digital processes, resource allocations, and differentiated client solutions.
- People leader with 7+ years of experience building and guiding cross-functional teams.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, National Audio Investment
Publicis Media, APEX
12.2022 - Current
- Led strategy and investment stewardship for $140M in annual managed media, aligning client objectives and marketplace opportunities to achieve 6% year-over-year growth in digital audio.
- Lead and develop eight direct reports across digital audio strategy and activation, establishing scalable processes and planning standards that improve efficiency, consistency, and strategic quality.
- Advised executive stakeholders on capability positioning, partner evaluation, pricing negotiations, branded content partnerships, and competitive benchmarking initiatives.
Director, Digital Strategy & Activation
Publicis Media, APEX
10.2021 - 12.2022
- Directed cross-channel digital strategy and activation throughout campaign lifecycle, aligning team capacity and strategic priorities to enhance client outcomes.
- Deepened senior client relationships across high-revenue accounts, including McDonald's, Lowe's, AbbVie, Chick-fil-A, and TaxAct, as a strategic advisor on digital media planning and activation.
Associate Director, Digital Strategy
Publicis Media, APEX
12.2019 - 10.2021
- Directed digital strategy for 15+ clients, aligning investment recommendations with business and audience objectives through upfront, evergreen, and scatter planning.
- Served as strategy lead for complex, high-touch accounts across diverse categories, including pharmaceutical, quick-service restaurant, and consumer packaged goods.
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Mediaocean, MBuy
04.2019 - 12.2019
Senior Manager, Business Development
Mediaocean, MBuy
03.2018 - 03.2019
Senior Account Manager
Mediaocean, MBuy
03.2017 - 02.2018
Account Manager
Mediaocean, MBuy
08.2015 - 03.2017
Account Coordinator
Mediaocean, MBuy
09.2014 - 07.2015
Education
Bachelor of Journalism - Strategic Communications emphasis, Business Minor
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO01-2014
Skills
- Digital media investment management
- Cross-channel strategy development
- Podcast and content activations
- Programmatic advertising solutions
- Audience modeling and acquisition
- Reporting and data insight generation
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship building
- Growth strategy formulation
- Tailored portfolio strategies across numerous brands
- Strategic vendor partnership collaboration
- Pricing negotiation and benchmarking acumen
- Market research and analysis
- AI-enhanced workflows
- Mentorship and training programs
- Talent development initiatives
Timeline
Director, National Audio Investment
Publicis Media, APEX
12.2022 - Current
Director, Digital Strategy & Activation
Publicis Media, APEX
10.2021 - 12.2022
Associate Director, Digital Strategy
Publicis Media, APEX
12.2019 - 10.2021
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Mediaocean, MBuy
04.2019 - 12.2019
Senior Manager, Business Development
Mediaocean, MBuy
03.2018 - 03.2019
Senior Account Manager
Mediaocean, MBuy
03.2017 - 02.2018
Account Manager
Mediaocean, MBuy
08.2015 - 03.2017
Account Coordinator
Mediaocean, MBuy
09.2014 - 07.2015
Bachelor of Journalism - Strategic Communications emphasis, Business Minor
University of Missouri