Talk us through an average day in your role
There’s no such thing as an “average” day in my role—and that’s precisely why I love it. As VP, commercial for the UK at Magnite, I oversee our EMEA DV+ strategy and lead a talented omnichannel commercial team based in London, as well as our EMEA strategy hub, which operates between London and Milan. The variety of work and the pace at which things move keep the role dynamic and energising.
On any given day, I might be collaborating with my team to roll out cross-market strategic initiatives, deep-diving into agency and seller conversations to explore client needs and revenue opportunities, or representing Magnite on industry panels. A big part of the role is ensuring we’re staying ahead of market trends and evolving with our clients’ needs across video, display, audio and DOOH.
In addition to this, I’ve recently joined the board of IAB Europe, which has been a fantastic opportunity to help shape industry direction at a wider level. It’s an exciting time to be in ad tech, and I feel lucky to work with such passionate people at Magnite who are equally driven to innovate and lead across EMEA.
How did you get started in the media industry?
Like many people in this space, I completely fell into it. I studied Natural Sciences at university with the intention of working in a museum—something very different from media and advertising. I graduated in 2009, right in the middle of the recession, and I landed a role at a small startup based in Soho.
That company happened to be working in what we now call programmatic advertising, though back then, the term didn’t even exist. It was a crash course in resilience, adaptability, and the power of being in the right place at the right time. From the moment I stepped into this industry, I was hooked. The constant innovation, the pace of change, and the opportunity to help shape a new part of the media ecosystem kept me engaged – and it still does. I’ve never looked back.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
I found myself in this incredible industry quite naturally and learned everything on the job, which, in my opinion, is the best way to grow. It’s possible to learn by doing and by making mistakes along the way. That’s where the real development happens.
Equally, it’s important that new hires are supported by the teams around them. They need access to training, open communication with the right people, and the sense that they have autonomy over their learning journey. It’s vital that they understand that asking questions and raising their hand when something isn’t clear isn’t only encouraged but also their responsibility.
Early ownership is key. If someone is in a customer-facing role, they should shadow someone else in the first couple of weeks and gradually take on responsibilities themselves. The goal is to create an environment where they learn quickly, through hands-on experience, but never without support. When you combine real responsibility with strong backing from the team, that’s when people truly get up to speed and thrive.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
No two days are the same; everything is constantly changing. The technology changes so rapidly that you’re continually learning new things, and you’re always teaching people on your team, along with adapting to how you consult with your customers. I’m not sure there are many other industries with this pace of change and the need for constant education. It is amazing.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
Be open to working in an environment that never stands still. This industry is in a constant state of evolution, whether it’s driven by technology, consumer behaviour, regulation, or market dynamics. If you want to lead in this space, you need to not only embrace change but also actively lean into it.
That means staying curious, being adaptable, and creating space for your teams to do the same. A significant part of the role involves helping others feel confident navigating ambiguity and fostering a culture where innovation and agility are integral to the day-to-day mindset. If you thrive on variety, love problem-solving, and enjoy leading people through transformation, it’s an incredibly rewarding path.
