David Cohen

In his current role as EVP, US Director of Digital Communications, David’s central goal is to spearhead UM’s digital and alternative media offering across the US and to accelerate, integrate and intensify a digital best practice throughout the UM universe.

David joined UM in 2001 as Interactive Media Director in the New York office, playing a pivotal role in integrating digital communications into clients’ overall marketing and media plans. In 2002, he became a Senior Vice President, overseeing all digital media strategy, planning, buying and analysis operations for the New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco offices. In March 2006, he was promoted to his present position.

Under David’s rousing leadership, UM was recognized as one of OMMA’s Agency of the Year winners for Best Media Planning & Buying. David was also named a 2006 “Online All-Star” by Media Magazine. He currently oversees the business-to-business efforts of Microsoft and Intel, with other client responsibilities including the US Army, Johnson & Johnson, Kohl’s, Wendy’s International, Sony Electronics and Bacardi.

An Internet-industry veteran grounded in traditional marketing and media, David began his professional career at NY1 News as a video journalist assistant. He went on to work at a traditional media planning and buying boutique, where he began his own interactive division in 1996. Two years later, David joined Thunder House as their second media employee and head of the media department. With industry consolidation in the late 90's, Thunder House was rolled into Zentropy Partners, where David rose to become the North America Media Director. 

David is active in many industry trade organizations and often speaks at seminars and lectures for the Advertising Club of New York, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA), Jupitermedia Corporation and MediaPost Communications. He is on the IAB Agency and iMediaLearning advisory boards, and the board of advisors for Revenue Science. David was a founding member of “212,” and regularly writes for ClickZ and other industry publications. He is frequently quoted in the trade press, as well as inThe Wall Street JournalandThe New York Times.

Curious Insight: David originally set out to be a doctor upon entering college, but his keen interest in technology and constant need to have the newest digital gadget led him to the dynamic game of digital media communications, and Cohen is excited to have courtside seats.

Surprising Result: As Cohen looks to 2009 and beyond, there’s still much to be done, and reducing delivery discrepancies is at the top of the list. Technology is radically changing the relationship between consumers and Brands.

Read all David's MediaBizBloggers commentaries at Curious Thoughts from Curious Minds.

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