EVP, Head of Activation - Carat

We are seeking a visionary executive leader to oversee and evolve our Media Activation practice across Search, Social, Video, Programmatic, Local, and Commerce. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a best-in-class media organization – driving cross-channel performance integration, embedding AI-powered innovation, strengthening market narrative, and building a fluid, future-ready activation workforce. The ideal leader will combine operational rigor with transformative thinking, elevating craft excellence while delivering measurable business outcomes for some of the world’s most sophisticated brands. 

This role sits at the intersection of modern media. To bridge dentsu’s robust media activation capabilities, the EVP, Head of Activation will work in close partnership with agency stakeholder groups spanning Client Leadership, Marketplaces & Partnerships, and Decisioning to deliver end-to-end media solutions. This position will report to the US Chief Activation Officer. 

Key responsibilities: 

CRAFT & CAPABILITY LEADERSHIP 

• Define and advance the agency’s cross-channel Activation craft standards across Search, Social, Video, Programmatic, Local, and Commerce – ensuring modern, connected, outcome-driven execution that reflects market-leading best practices and innovation. 

• Drive capability evolution and convergence across channels by embedding AI-enabled workflows, standardized playbooks, and scalable governance models that elevate quality, performance, and operational rigor. 

• Cultivate a high-performing Activation community by developing senior craft leaders and fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and agency-wide accountability. Serve as senior escalation point for Activation performance delivery. 

INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION 

• Co-lead the Activation organization’s innovation & learning agendas by embedding advanced data, automation, and AI solutions into core workflows – transforming how we plan, buy, optimize, and measure media at scale. 

• Identify and operationalize strategic technology and platform partnerships that unlock differentiated capabilities, preferential access, and measurable competitive advantage for clients and the agency. 

• Champion agency-wide transformation initiatives that modernize operating models, upskill staff media knowledge / skill sets, and accelerate the adoption of scalable, tech-enabled solutions across all Activation disciplines. 

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION & INTEGRATION 

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and cross-functional capability leaders to identify partnership, integration, and upselling/cross-selling opportunities.  

• Navigate a highly matrixed organization with several ‘hands” touching Activation workstreams across the network.   

• Collaborate with creative, analytics/decisioning, and IT/product teams to unlock and facilitate holistic media solutions that address market & client needs. 

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

• Shape and influence compelling Activation narratives that clearly articulates the agency’s differentiated capabilities, AI-powered innovations, and business impact – positioning us as a market leader in modern media execution. 

• Partner with Growth, Strategy, and Client Leadership teams to architect winning new business approaches, translating complex capabilities into clear, outcome-driven value propositions that resonate with senior client stakeholders. 

• Elevate the agency’s external presence through thought leadership, case studies, and strategic partner collaborations that reinforce our competitive advantage and influence how the market defines next-generation Activation. 

Required experience: 

• 13+ years’ experience in digital marketing (either at an agency or client brand) 

• 7+ years’ experience in people management 

• 5+ years’ experience in professional services 

• Proven track record of converting retail media into business results 

• Demonstrable knowledge of the US media environment, including the AdTech required to execute digital media programs 

• Demonstrated success in building and managing complex business processes across multiple internal teams in a high-growth environment 

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. 

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