Innately driven to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, David heads UM’s North America Integrated Investment team and leads our global digital community, driving thought leadership and innovation across the UM universe in his role as Chief Investment Officer.
David started experimenting with leveraging the power of the internet for marketers in the mid-1990s. He launched the digital practice at UM in 2001 as Interactive Media Director, and a year later he became a Senior Vice President, overseeing all digital media strategy, planning, buying and analysis operations. In 2006, David was named U.S. Director of Digital Communications and in 2011 he was named Global Digital Officer, before being appointed to his current position in 2013.
Under David’s leadership, UM was recognized as one of MediaPost’s Agency of the Year winners, and he was named an “Online All-Star” by Media Magazine. He provides leadership across UM’s roster of clients spanning Automotive, Entertainment, CPG, Retail, Spirits and Finance categories.
David served as the Chair of the 4A’s (American Association of Advertising Agencies) Digital Marketing Committee from 2009-2012, and was named a “Media All-Star” by Adweek and one of the “Adweek 50” in 2012. He serves on the Global Board of I-COM (International Conference on Media Management) and numerous advisory boards, including Google, AOL, Yahoo, and the Chairman’s Advisory Board of the MPA (The Association of Magazine Media).
A self-described gadget-guy and fitness fanatic – he can talk for hours about training tips and the latest in high-tech exercise gear – David often speaks at seminars and lectures and is frequently quoted in the trade press, as well as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
David Cohen Job Title EVP Chief Investment Office & President Global Partner Company UNIVERSAL MCCANN