Introducing CJU22's Guest Keynote
Between the guest keynote, mainstage sessions, and Discovery Lab trainings, prepare to be inspired and enlightened by our lineup of exhilarating speakers and industry thought leaders.
CEO
As the global CEO of CJ, Mayur brings an immense depth and breadth of knowledge of the affiliate industry as well as a keen ability to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. Prior to taking the company's reigns in 2019, Mayur spent three years as the SVP of Client Development and Data Science at CJ.
Before joining CJ in 2016, Mayur led the Conversant Personalized Media business in the UK. Prior to that, Mayur was part of the executive team at Affinnova leading the international business where he helped grow their business in Europe and Asia more than two-fold. When Nielsen acquired Affinnova in October 2014, its international business accounted for more than 25% of the company's overall revenue.
Mayur graduated with a BS in Statistics from the University of Mumbai and earned an MS in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin.
Director of Product Development
Angela Ballard is CJ’s Director of Product Development overseeing the development and strategy for CJ’s tracking, attribution, and commissioning solutions. Her team is responsible for building products that allow CJ’s clients to understand campaign performance, measure success, and reward value in a post-third-party-cookie world. Angela has been with CJ for 10 years, starting as a Client Integration Engineer where she created tracking and integration strategies for some of CJ’s top clients, and contributed to creating solutions like CJ’s Affiliate Customer Insights. Angela is a UC Santa Barbara alum, and she now lives in Chicago with her husband Patrick, and their 2-yr-old goldendoodle Watson.
Director of Business Development
Hunter Capobianco is a Director of Business Development on CNN Digital's Commerce team. He is responsible for the affiliate monetization of CNN’s Commerce initiatives. His portfolio includes CNN Coupons, Sponsored Content sales, and CNN Underscored, CNN’s reviews and recommendations site.
Head of Content and Commerce
Patrick Cremens has been working in the digital marketing space for the last decade. He began his career producing content marketing programs for lifestyle brands HGTV, Food Network & Travel Channel at Scripps Networks Interactive. Subsequently he moved into the retail space leading performance and affiliate marketing for the TJX Companies' digital properties. Patrick currently is managing content and commerce efforts for Wayfair North America, a leader in the home retail industry.
As the global CEO of CJ, Mayur brings an immense depth and breadth of knowledge of the affiliate industry as well as a keen ability to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. Prior to taking the company's reigns in 2019, Mayur spent three years as the SVP of Client Development and Data Science at CJ.
Before joining CJ in 2016, Mayur led the Conversant Personalized Media business in the UK. Prior to that, Mayur was part of the executive team at Affinnova leading the international business where he helped grow their business in Europe and Asia more than two-fold. When Nielsen acquired Affinnova in October 2014, its international business accounted for more than 25% of the company's overall revenue.
Mayur graduated with a BS in Statistics from the University of Mumbai and earned an MS in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin.
CJU22 kicks off with a welcome message from our CEO, Mayuresh Kshetramade, who will reflect on his vision for our industry as we move forward together through uncertain times. Mayur will share how CJ is taking action to achieve mutual stability and strength—and how this strength will help us all create beneficial outcomes for everyone. CJ leaders will join Mayur on stage for the Tech Showcase to present the latest CJ product releases and how they solve business needs.
Angela Ballard is CJ’s Director of Product Development overseeing the development and strategy for CJ’s tracking, attribution, and commissioning solutions. Her team is responsible for building products that allow CJ’s clients to understand campaign performance, measure success, and reward value in a post-third-party-cookie world. Angela has been with CJ for 10 years, starting as a Client Integration Engineer where she created tracking and integration strategies for some of CJ’s top clients, and contributed to creating solutions like CJ’s Affiliate Customer Insights. Angela is a UC Santa Barbara alum, and she now lives in Chicago with her husband Patrick, and their 2-yr-old goldendoodle Watson.
New technologies and policies that set higher standards for user privacy and data protection have driven sweeping changes in the online advertising industry and CJ has seen firsthand how privacy-focused tracking changes affect our clients and the rest of the digital ecosystem. In this session, CJ and LiveRamp, an industry leader in customer identity solutions, share our approach for success in marketing and measurement in a world without third-party cookies. We’ll discuss how a first-party data strategy, enabled by solutions like CJ’s Publisher Tag and Universal Tag, will prepare you for Google Chrome’s deprecation of third-party cookies.
Hunter Capobianco is a Director of Business Development on CNN Digital's Commerce team. He is responsible for the affiliate monetization of CNN’s Commerce initiatives. His portfolio includes CNN Coupons, Sponsored Content sales, and CNN Underscored, CNN’s reviews and recommendations site.
Content commerce has become an affiliate darling. Who doesn’t want their product shared by trusted third-party voices with millions of potential customers? With so much demand, the right way to approach and collaborate with content commerce sites is more important than ever before. Panelists from CNN, Buzzfeed, and Wayfair will share stories of successful campaigns and what it took to get them greenlit by editorial and commerce teams. Attendees will learn how to overcome internal challenges to secure more budget and how to successfully position their own brands to get more coverage of their products in this rapidly growing area of performance marketing.
Patrick Cremens has been working in the digital marketing space for the last decade. He began his career producing content marketing programs for lifestyle brands HGTV, Food Network & Travel Channel at Scripps Networks Interactive. Subsequently he moved into the retail space leading performance and affiliate marketing for the TJX Companies' digital properties. Patrick currently is managing content and commerce efforts for Wayfair North America, a leader in the home retail industry.
Content commerce has become an affiliate darling. Who doesn’t want their product shared by trusted third-party voices with millions of potential customers? With so much demand, the right way to approach and collaborate with content commerce sites is more important than ever before. Panelists from CNN, Buzzfeed, and Wayfair will share stories of successful campaigns and what it took to get them greenlit by editorial and commerce teams. Attendees will learn how to overcome internal challenges to secure more budget and how to successfully position their own brands to get more coverage of their products in this rapidly growing area of performance marketing.
Business Development & Influencer Expert
Enterprise Account Director, Publisher Development
As an Enterprise Account Director on our Publisher Development team, Jodi oversees a portfolio of our largest Publishers in the network. She works as an extension of their affiliate team to provide strategic growth recommendations and diversification initiatives to ensure they are meeting their affiliate marketing goals. Additionally, she oversees New Hire Training programs for Publisher Development and loves to organize internal team events.
Jodi joined CJ almost 12 years ago on the Client Development Team. After working her way up through Client Development, she joined the Publisher Development team where she could bring a unique perspective from her past work with advertiser clients and contribute to developing new reporting and processes for the growing global team. She currently supports our Enterprise publishers, with a focus in the Content/Mass Media space.
Jodi attended Loyola Marymount University where she majored in Business, Marketing.
Chief Commerce Strategy Officer
VP of Sales Strategy
Briana has been part of the Slickdeals team for over seven years and has been a key part of evolving their presence as a publisher. In addition to leading their B2B marketing and thought leadership, she launched their sales strategy and operations team in 2019. Today, her team manages the end-to-end productization of how Slickdeals works with advertisers, all sales processes and measurement, as well as the company's long-term B2B strategy.
As an Enterprise Account Director on our Publisher Development team, Jodi oversees a portfolio of our largest Publishers in the network. She works as an extension of their affiliate team to provide strategic growth recommendations and diversification initiatives to ensure they are meeting their affiliate marketing goals. Additionally, she oversees New Hire Training programs for Publisher Development and loves to organize internal team events.
Jodi joined CJ almost 12 years ago on the Client Development Team. After working her way up through Client Development, she joined the Publisher Development team where she could bring a unique perspective from her past work with advertiser clients and contribute to developing new reporting and processes for the growing global team. She currently supports our Enterprise publishers, with a focus in the Content/Mass Media space.
Jodi attended Loyola Marymount University where she majored in Business, Marketing.
Calling all first-timers! Attend this session to get up to speed on everything you need to make your first CJU a smashing success. Led by CJ Enterprise Account Director, Jodi Ford, you’re sure to walk away with an insider’s view of CJU—including a guide to the venue and helpful tips for making connections at the industry’s best networking event.
CJU’s third day heats up with a presentation by Jason Goldberg, aka The Retail Geek, addressing some of the biggest factors affecting business today: inflation, recessionary threats, and declining consumer confidence. How are these impacting the optimistic outlook that commerce experienced over the past three years, and more importantly—how should brands respond? This session will take a close look at important shifts in consumer behavior and the important opportunities for affiliate marketing that exists amongst these changes.
Briana has been part of the Slickdeals team for over seven years and has been a key part of evolving their presence as a publisher. In addition to leading their B2B marketing and thought leadership, she launched their sales strategy and operations team in 2019. Today, her team manages the end-to-end productization of how Slickdeals works with advertisers, all sales processes and measurement, as well as the company's long-term B2B strategy.
Constant change is the hallmark of digital marketing and publishers have played a big part in both driving and harnessing change over the years. This panel will explore the realities of publisher innovation, including what drives it, what priority it should receive over foundational concerns, and the role that advertisers can play in the future innovations that lie ahead.
Business Development Director
Chief Operating Officer
VP of Client Development
Group Director, Publisher Development EMEA
As Group Director of Publisher Development EMEA Kate directs and manages the strategy and vision for the EMEA Publisher team, as well as our publisher partners across Europe, UK, Mena, and LATAM.
Content commerce has become an affiliate darling. Who doesn’t want their product shared by trusted third-party voices with millions of potential customers? With so much demand, the right way to approach and collaborate with content commerce sites is more important than ever before. Panelists from CNN, Buzzfeed, and Wayfair will share stories of successful campaigns and what it took to get them greenlit by editorial and commerce teams. Attendees will learn how to overcome internal challenges to secure more budget and how to successfully position their own brands to get more coverage of their products in this rapidly growing area of performance marketing.
Constant change is the hallmark of digital marketing and publishers have played a big part in both driving and harnessing change over the years. This panel will explore the realities of publisher innovation, including what drives it, what priority it should receive over foundational concerns, and the role that advertisers can play in the future innovations that lie ahead.
This year’s Conversations for Change discussion will present practical takeaways from panelists who are leading the charge on DE&I efforts within their organizations. They’ll share advice ranging from ways to be more inclusive marketers to how to push for change within your own company or community. This conversation will inspire you to initiate change within your own spheres of influence, whether in your organization, team, or personal life.
As Group Director of Publisher Development EMEA Kate directs and manages the strategy and vision for the EMEA Publisher team, as well as our publisher partners across Europe, UK, Mena, and LATAM.
Constant change is the hallmark of digital marketing and publishers have played a big part in both driving and harnessing change over the years. This panel will explore the realities of publisher innovation, including what drives it, what priority it should receive over foundational concerns, and the role that advertisers can play in the future innovations that lie ahead.
Sr. Manager, Social Media & Influencers
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Addressability
Joe Lyons is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Addressability for Brands & Agencies at LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP). In this role, Joe is responsible for guiding LiveRamp’s brand and agency partners on how to migrate workflows away from third-party cookies to a more addressable, sustainable solution. Joe previously held two vice president roles at LiveRamp, leading the global agency team and before that, publisher and technology accounts.
Joe has over 25 years of sales and business development experience in the advertising and marketing technology industries, playing vital roles in the growth of companies including DoubleClick (acquired by Google), Undertone (acquired by Perion), Right Media (acquired by Yahoo!), Turn (acquired by Singtel), and Arbor (acquired by LiveRamp).
SVP of Publisher Development
In her current role as SVP of Publisher Development, Kelly leads the team that facilitates and expands the global distribution partnerships and affiliations that are responsible for the reach and growth across the CJ platform.
Kelly came to CJ in 2010 and quickly rose through the Client Development ranks. With 17 years of account management experience, Kelly continually grew her clients' business through strategic initiatives, innovative solution adoption, and an intense focus on elevating her team’s performance.
Kelly graduated with a BS in Marketing and Operations Management from Indiana University and earned an MBA from the University of Southern California.
Director of Retail Partnerships
Julia Merritt is the Director for Expedia Group’s Retail Partnerships organization. Together, she and her team work with thousands of partners across multiple regions and industries, with the main goal of powering their partners’ businesses to deliver on exceptional traveler experiences. Julia previously led brand and channel partnerships for EG’s Media Solutions and Global Payments teams. Before joining EG in 2019, Julia held numerous strategic roles at Starbucks and American Express spanning digital, payments, innovation, and travel. She currently lives in Seattle, WA with her husband and 11-month-old baby boy.
This year’s Conversations for Change discussion will present practical takeaways from panelists who are leading the charge on DE&I efforts within their organizations. They’ll share advice ranging from ways to be more inclusive marketers to how to push for change within your own company or community. This conversation will inspire you to initiate change within your own spheres of influence, whether in your organization, team, or personal life.
Joe Lyons is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Addressability for Brands & Agencies at LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP). In this role, Joe is responsible for guiding LiveRamp’s brand and agency partners on how to migrate workflows away from third-party cookies to a more addressable, sustainable solution. Joe previously held two vice president roles at LiveRamp, leading the global agency team and before that, publisher and technology accounts.
Joe has over 25 years of sales and business development experience in the advertising and marketing technology industries, playing vital roles in the growth of companies including DoubleClick (acquired by Google), Undertone (acquired by Perion), Right Media (acquired by Yahoo!), Turn (acquired by Singtel), and Arbor (acquired by LiveRamp).
New technologies and policies that set higher standards for user privacy and data protection have driven sweeping changes in the online advertising industry and CJ has seen firsthand how privacy-focused tracking changes affect our clients and the rest of the digital ecosystem. In this session, CJ and LiveRamp, an industry leader in customer identity solutions, share our approach for success in marketing and measurement in a world without third-party cookies. We’ll discuss how a first-party data strategy, enabled by solutions like CJ’s Publisher Tag and Universal Tag, will prepare you for Google Chrome’s deprecation of third-party cookies.
In her current role as SVP of Publisher Development, Kelly leads the team that facilitates and expands the global distribution partnerships and affiliations that are responsible for the reach and growth across the CJ platform.
Kelly came to CJ in 2010 and quickly rose through the Client Development ranks. With 17 years of account management experience, Kelly continually grew her clients' business through strategic initiatives, innovative solution adoption, and an intense focus on elevating her team’s performance.
Kelly graduated with a BS in Marketing and Operations Management from Indiana University and earned an MBA from the University of Southern California.
CJU22 kicks off with a welcome message from our CEO, Mayuresh Kshetramade, who will reflect on his vision for our industry as we move forward together through uncertain times. Mayur will share how CJ is taking action to achieve mutual stability and strength—and how this strength will help us all create beneficial outcomes for everyone. CJ leaders will join Mayur on stage for the Tech Showcase to present the latest CJ product releases and how they solve business needs.
Julia Merritt is the Director for Expedia Group’s Retail Partnerships organization. Together, she and her team work with thousands of partners across multiple regions and industries, with the main goal of powering their partners’ businesses to deliver on exceptional traveler experiences. Julia previously led brand and channel partnerships for EG’s Media Solutions and Global Payments teams. Before joining EG in 2019, Julia held numerous strategic roles at Starbucks and American Express spanning digital, payments, innovation, and travel. She currently lives in Seattle, WA with her husband and 11-month-old baby boy.
This year’s Conversations for Change discussion will present practical takeaways from panelists who are leading the charge on DE&I efforts within their organizations. They’ll share advice ranging from ways to be more inclusive marketers to how to push for change within your own company or community. This conversation will inspire you to initiate change within your own spheres of influence, whether in your organization, team, or personal life.
Director of Influencer Partnerships
VP of Content Partnerships and Strategy
Jessica joined BuzzFeed in 2017. Since then, she's contributed to growing of BuzzFeed' affiliate and strategic partnerships business has grown by more than 272%. Her team is passionate about identifying new attribution methodologies for content publishers in an effort to support partners' holistic e-commerce objectives.
Brand Strategist & Founder
SVP of Client Development
As Senior Vice President of Client Development, Amalia leads client growth and talent development for CJ’s East Coast offices of North America. She's also responsible for the strategy to profitably scale our operations globally. Since joining CJ in 2010, Amalia has held multiple positions throughout Client Development, delivering growth for advertisers across multiple verticals. Prior to joining CJ, Amalia started her career in the software industry at Citrix Online, managing SMB accounts.
Amalia is a proud Gaucho! She graduated with a BA in Global Studies, with an emphasis in International Relations from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Short-form video may dominate the feeds, but analytics and data have emerged as the most talked about topic in influencer marketing strategy this year. Data-driven marketing is becoming the favored approach for brands wanting to incorporate an influencer strategy into their performance channel. Panelists in this session will discuss how the need for more data is being addressed and how data plays a larger role in how content creators expand into new categories and create efficiencies in their businesses.
Jessica joined BuzzFeed in 2017. Since then, she's contributed to growing of BuzzFeed' affiliate and strategic partnerships business has grown by more than 272%. Her team is passionate about identifying new attribution methodologies for content publishers in an effort to support partners' holistic e-commerce objectives.
Content commerce has become an affiliate darling. Who doesn’t want their product shared by trusted third-party voices with millions of potential customers? With so much demand, the right way to approach and collaborate with content commerce sites is more important than ever before. Panelists from CNN, Buzzfeed, and Wayfair will share stories of successful campaigns and what it took to get them greenlit by editorial and commerce teams. Attendees will learn how to overcome internal challenges to secure more budget and how to successfully position their own brands to get more coverage of their products in this rapidly growing area of performance marketing.
Wondering what the metaverse means for marketers? It’s not just you. (A recent Harris Poll showed that more than half of US adults don’t understand what the purpose of the metaverse even is!) In this session, McKenna Sweazey, author and Brand Strategist at metaXmoda, will bring clarity to the metaverse and present exciting real-life examples of the opportunities it holds to connect with online communities. Learn how celebrities and brands across the spectrum—from Wendy’s to Louis Vuitton—are experimenting and testing, and what the future offers for creatives, marketers, and influencers.
As Senior Vice President of Client Development, Amalia leads client growth and talent development for CJ’s East Coast offices of North America. She's also responsible for the strategy to profitably scale our operations globally. Since joining CJ in 2010, Amalia has held multiple positions throughout Client Development, delivering growth for advertisers across multiple verticals. Prior to joining CJ, Amalia started her career in the software industry at Citrix Online, managing SMB accounts.
Amalia is a proud Gaucho! She graduated with a BA in Global Studies, with an emphasis in International Relations from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Affiliate is traditionally viewed as a standalone marketing channel, but it’s actually so much more—we touch consumers in ways that amplify brands’ online and offline marketing across channels. In this session, SVPs of Client Development, Sommer Urias and Amalia Thomas, explore a new way of looking at affiliate’s big-time value that addresses the opportunity to clearly define our channel as the place where marketers bridge measurement gaps, achieve collaboration, and create connections.
President
Paul heads up the Client Development, Corporate Development, and Business Development teams in the US, driving adoption, retention, and utilization of the CJ network by advertisers of every size. Before joining CJ, Paul led the North America sales team at Affinnova, transforming the business model from custom projects to SAAS. After Nielsen acquired Affinnova in October 2014, Paul led the strategic global accounts team for Nielsen's Innovation Practice in the US. Paul began his career in media consulting, both selling and leading engagements.
Paul graduated from Clark University, earning a BA in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, followed by an MBA in Marketing.
SVP of Product and Operations
As Senior Vice President of Product & Operations, Desiree leads a global team of talented Product and Support Operation Managers. This team’s collective goal is to deliver and implement highly innovative and differentiating products and solutions that meet our clients’ needs and set them up for success.
On her way to the top of the Product and Operations organization, Desiree was a leader within CJ’s Client Development department, managing teams responsible for the success of some of CJ's top clients. Desiree has over 14 years of experience in digital media: in marketing, client management, and product development.
Desiree graduated with honors from Clark University with a BA in both Marketing and Studio Arts.
SVP of Client Development
As Senior Vice President of Client Development, Sommer leads client growth and talent development for our SoCal, San Francisco, and Chicago client teams. She is responsible for setting the direction for client adoption of CJ solutions that drive strategies that deliver on client goals.
Sommer’s career at CJ began 13 years ago as the receptionist in our Santa Barbara office. She worked her way up through Client Development, where she has been instrumental in helping shape CJ innovations with a data-first approach.
Sommer attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she majored in Psychology.
Co-Founder & CEO
Dennis Tze is passionate about driving economic and social impact through Sertify by supporting small and diverse-owned businesses which drives 46% of US GDP. Sertify helps companies identify and verify small and diverse businesses to drive growth and elevate their DEI efforts.
Dennis is a consummate innovator who has built and exited multiple start-up companies. One of them having offices at a church rectory called Mall Networks, which has now been renamed to Cartera. He combines early stage company with large corporate experience which included being part of American Express’ Consumer Card Executive team.
Dennis extends this career exploration into his personal life. He originally hails from Canada and has used New York as his base over the past 20+ years.
Paul heads up the Client Development, Corporate Development, and Business Development teams in the US, driving adoption, retention, and utilization of the CJ network by advertisers of every size. Before joining CJ, Paul led the North America sales team at Affinnova, transforming the business model from custom projects to SAAS. After Nielsen acquired Affinnova in October 2014, Paul led the strategic global accounts team for Nielsen's Innovation Practice in the US. Paul began his career in media consulting, both selling and leading engagements.
Paul graduated from Clark University, earning a BA in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, followed by an MBA in Marketing.
CJU22 kicks off with a welcome message from our CEO, Mayuresh Kshetramade, who will reflect on his vision for our industry as we move forward together through uncertain times. Mayur will share how CJ is taking action to achieve mutual stability and strength—and how this strength will help us all create beneficial outcomes for everyone. CJ leaders will join Mayur on stage for the Tech Showcase to present the latest CJ product releases and how they solve business needs.
As Senior Vice President of Product & Operations, Desiree leads a global team of talented Product and Support Operation Managers. This team’s collective goal is to deliver and implement highly innovative and differentiating products and solutions that meet our clients’ needs and set them up for success.
On her way to the top of the Product and Operations organization, Desiree was a leader within CJ’s Client Development department, managing teams responsible for the success of some of CJ's top clients. Desiree has over 14 years of experience in digital media: in marketing, client management, and product development.
Desiree graduated with honors from Clark University with a BA in both Marketing and Studio Arts.
CJU22 kicks off with a welcome message from our CEO, Mayuresh Kshetramade, who will reflect on his vision for our industry as we move forward together through uncertain times. Mayur will share how CJ is taking action to achieve mutual stability and strength—and how this strength will help us all create beneficial outcomes for everyone. CJ leaders will join Mayur on stage for the Tech Showcase to present the latest CJ product releases and how they solve business needs.
As Senior Vice President of Client Development, Sommer leads client growth and talent development for our SoCal, San Francisco, and Chicago client teams. She is responsible for setting the direction for client adoption of CJ solutions that drive strategies that deliver on client goals.
Sommer’s career at CJ began 13 years ago as the receptionist in our Santa Barbara office. She worked her way up through Client Development, where she has been instrumental in helping shape CJ innovations with a data-first approach.
Sommer attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she majored in Psychology.
Affiliate is traditionally viewed as a standalone marketing channel, but it’s actually so much more—we touch consumers in ways that amplify brands’ online and offline marketing across channels. In this session, SVPs of Client Development, Sommer Urias and Amalia Thomas, explore a new way of looking at affiliate’s big-time value that addresses the opportunity to clearly define our channel as the place where marketers bridge measurement gaps, achieve collaboration, and create connections.
Dennis Tze is passionate about driving economic and social impact through Sertify by supporting small and diverse-owned businesses which drives 46% of US GDP. Sertify helps companies identify and verify small and diverse businesses to drive growth and elevate their DEI efforts.
Dennis is a consummate innovator who has built and exited multiple start-up companies. One of them having offices at a church rectory called Mall Networks, which has now been renamed to Cartera. He combines early stage company with large corporate experience which included being part of American Express’ Consumer Card Executive team.
Dennis extends this career exploration into his personal life. He originally hails from Canada and has used New York as his base over the past 20+ years.