Vikram Somaya serves as senior vice president and global data officer and ad platforms at ESPN. In his role, Somaya leads the company’s global data strategy, working closely with the Disney Media Networks to identify new revenue models and drive key sales strategies. In addition, he runs the product management and evolution of the company’s advertising platforms across all forms of media.
Somaya joined ESPN in 2015 from The Weather Company, where as general manager of AdFX and analytics, he oversaw a global team focused on sales efforts geared towards predictive marketing and ad product monetization. During his tenure, Somaya also developed the WeatherFX data management ad platform, which utilizes real-time localized data from users to create personalized ad targeting solutions.
Prior to that, Somaya was vice president of global operations and audience at Thomson Reuters, administrating the company’s global operations and analytics as well as audience-derived revenue across various products lines. Additionally, he was responsible for building a successful private programmatic exchange.
Somaya’s previous leadership roles include managing director of business development and channel sales at Bluekai, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Milabra, vice president of strategic alliances at Phorm and vice present of strategy management at Operative Media.
An art history graduate of Yale University, Somaya is a sought-after expert at conferences and media industry events to share his insights around the audience ecosystem and the use of data.