Suggestions
David Smith
Proprietor at Propinquity, Chairman at Mediasmith
David Smith is an experienced media and technology executive who currently serves as an Advisor at SafeGuard Privacy, a position he has held since September 2020.1 With a career spanning several decades in the media, advertising, and technology industries, Smith brings a wealth of expertise to his advisory role.
Career Highlights
Mediasmith: Smith was the founder and long-time CEO of Mediasmith, an independent media agency based in San Francisco. He led the company as CEO from March 1989 to November 2018, a tenure of nearly 30 years.1 After stepping down from day-to-day operations, he transitioned to the role of Chairman of the Mediasmith Board, a position he continues to hold.
Propinquity: Since November 2018, Smith has been the Proprietor of Propinquity, a consulting company that advises businesses in media research and data, ad tech, media tech, and cannabis industries.1
Industry Contributions
Smith has been actively involved in shaping industry standards and practices. He is recognized as a co-founder of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)2, an organization that develops industry standards and conducts research for the online advertising industry.
Other Notable Roles
Throughout his career, Smith has held several other significant positions:
- Co-Founder/CEO of SafeGuard Privacy
- Part of the founding team of CNN.com
- CEO/Founder of Phase2media
- CEO/COO of Medialets, which was later acquired by WPP2
Education
Smith holds a BA in Communications with a specialty in advertising from the University of Washington, which he attended from 1964 to 1967.1
Recognition
His contributions to the digital advertising industry have been acknowledged with awards such as the 2007 Industry Achievement award from ad
David Smith's extensive experience in media, advertising, and technology, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit and industry leadership, make him a valuable advisor to SafeGuard Privacy and other organizations in the digital landscape.
