AdExchanger Unveils the 2026 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Honorees
Honorees will be celebrated on November 3 in New York City and join a growing community of women leaders across advertising, media and technology.
New York, NY (September 17, 2026) — AdExchanger, the leading voice in data-driven advertising and marketing technology, today announced its 2026 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech honorees, an accomplished group of leaders driving innovation, influence and impact across advertising, media, ad tech and marketing technology.
This year’s honorees represent a dynamic cross-section of talent spanning brands, agencies, publishers, platforms and technology companies. From advancing data-driven advertising and building AI-powered products to leading teams through industry transformation and reshaping the economics of media and audience monetization, they are redefining what leadership looks like across the modern media ecosystem.
Beyond their professional achievements, these women are recognized for their leadership, mentorship and commitment to advancing the industry—elevating new voices, championing their teams and shaping the future of an industry in the midst of extraordinary change.
The 2026 honorees include:
- Erika Wilson, The Walt Disney Company
- Taylor Ash, The Trade Desk
- Kristina Shepard, NBCUniversal
- Lauren Wetzel, WPP
- Stephanie Eaddy, The Coca-Cola Company
- Jen Spies, Microsoft AI
- Jillian Kranz, PayPal Ads
- Shannon Hartmann, Kroger Precision Marketing
- Stephanie Posner, DoubleVerify
- Stephanie Reustle, Magnite
- And more!
View the full list of 2026 honorees.
“The 2026 Top Women in Media & Ad Tech honorees represent the very best of what leadership looks like in this industry today,” said Gordon Plutsky, VP/Brand Leader of AdExchanger. “From brand marketers and agency strategists to ad tech builders and media executives, this class reflects the full depth of talent driving our industry forward, and we couldn’t be prouder to recognize them.”
As part of this recognition, honorees are welcomed into the Top Women Network, a growing cross-industry community designed to foster connection, visibility and ongoing engagement among women leaders across media, marketing, technology and communications.
The AdExchanger Top Women in Media & Ad Tech honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Awards Gala on November 3, 2026, at The Lighthouse in New York City. The event runs from 6:00–9:00 PM and brings together honorees, their teams and peers from across the media and ad tech ecosystem for an evening of recognition, celebration and community. Learn more and secure your tickets and tables here.
For more information, please visit AdExchanger.com. For questions about attending the AdExchanger Top Women in Media & Ad Tech Awards Gala, contact Karis Kim at kkim@accessintel.com. To become an event sponsor or for information about congratulatory ads, contact Vernesa Merdanovic at vmerdanovic@accessintel.com.
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About AdExchanger:
AdExchanger is the leading trade publication and event platform for data-driven advertising and marketing technology. Through authoritative journalism, industry analysis and premier events, AdExchanger informs and connects the executives and innovators driving the future of digital media and advertising.
About Chief Marketer Network:
The Chief Marketer Network (CMN) is a leading marketing intelligence hub connecting a global portfolio of nine specialized media brands that span the primary channels of media and marketing—from advertising technology to PR and communications. With an aggregate audience of over 1 million marketing professionals, CMN delivers curated insights, trend forecasting, and cross-disciplinary coverage that empower marketers to stay ahead of what’s next. Trusted by industry leaders, the Chief Marketer Network is the go-to resource for actionable intelligence across the evolving marketing landscape. CMN brands include AdExchanger, Event Marketer, Chief Marketer, PRNEWS, LeadsCon, AdMonsters, Cynopsis, and CFX.
About Top Women Network:
The Top Women Network is a cross-industry community connecting women leaders across media, marketing, technology and communications. Powered by the Chief Marketer Network, it brings together a portfolio of industry-leading brands—including Chief Marketer, AdExchanger, PRNEWS, Cynopsis, CFX, Folio:, LeadsCon and Event Marketer—to create a platform for recognition, connection and ongoing engagement. Through awards programs, events and content, the network is designed to elevate women leaders, amplify their impact and foster meaningful relationships across the industry.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Karis Kim
Marketing Manager, AdExchanger
kkim@accessintel.com
