Ryan Gould Takes the Helm at OpenAP as New Chairman

In a significant industry shakeup, Ryan Gould has been appointed as the new chairman of OpenAP, the consortium aimed at streamlining digital ad-buying practices across various media platforms. This move, effective immediately, positions Gould at the forefront of an evolving advertising landscape as he succeeds John Halley, the former head of ad sales at Paramount Skydance, who departed in late 2025. Gould, who has been instrumental in overseeing U.S. ad sales for Warner Bros. Discovery, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to his new role. OpenAP, which includes a coalition of media and tech companies, is focused on creating a more interoperable and efficient advertising infrastructure, which is becoming increasingly vital as digital platforms continue to proliferate and consumer behavior shifts. David Levy, CEO of OpenAP, expressed confidence in Gould’s capabilities, stating, “Ryan brings both strategic vision and operational fluency to this role. He understands that the future of premium video depends on common standards and interoperable identity.” This sentiment highlights the ongoing challenges within the digital ad space, where fragmentation can hinder effective audience targeting and campaign performance. Gould’s appointment comes at a crucial time when advertisers are seeking more efficient ways to connect with audiences across diverse platforms. As the media landscape becomes more complicated with the emergence of new technologies and consumer habits, the need for cohesive strategies that emphasize audience consistency is more pressing than ever. By fostering interoperability among publishers and advertisers, OpenAP aims to turn the aspiration of audience consistency into a tangible infrastructure. Gould’s leadership will be pivotal in guiding these efforts, leveraging his proven track record in sales and marketing to bridge gaps between traditional media giants and digital innovators. The challenges ahead for OpenAP are significant. As digital advertising continues to evolve, the industry faces issues such as data privacy regulations, evolving consumer expectations, and the need for transparent measurement metrics. Gould’s experience at Warner Bros. Discovery, which has navigated these waters through innovative ad solutions, positions him uniquely to tackle these challenges head-on. “Digital advertising is undergoing a transformation, and OpenAP is at the heart of that change,” Gould said in a statement. “I’m excited to work alongside a talented team of leaders to build a future where advertisers can seamlessly reach their audiences with confidence.” The implications of this leadership change extend well beyond OpenAP and Warner Bros. Discovery. As the digital advertising ecosystem grows increasingly complex, the call for unified standards and practices resonates broadly across the industry. Gould’s approach will likely influence how various stakeholders—from advertisers to publishers—collaborate and innovate in a landscape that demands agility and responsiveness. As OpenAP continues to expand its influence, the consortium will need to address growing competition from other players in the digital advertising space. Companies such as The Trade Desk and Google have already established significant footholds, promoting their own solutions for ad interoperability and audience targeting. Gould's new role represents an opportunity not only to enhance OpenAP’s offerings but also to set a benchmark for the industry. His vision could guide a transformative approach to digital advertising that aligns with the evolving needs of consumers and brands alike. In a media world that often mirrors its audience's fast-paced and ever-changing nature, Ryan Gould's appointment as chairman of OpenAP signals a commitment to innovation and collaboration. As the advertising landscape shifts, all eyes will be on OpenAP to see if it can deliver on its promise of an interoperable future that benefits all players involved. With Gould's guidance, the next chapter for OpenAP is not just about keeping pace; it’s about setting the standard in digital ad practices. As the industry watches closely, the stakes have never been higher.