Brian Park balances the heart and brain of Disney’s streaming ad business

Brian Park is the tie between what he calls the heart and brain of The Walt Disney Company’s streaming ad business—its ad server and its algorithms. As senior manager, product management, ads and data platforms, the 35-year-old data whisperer ensures the balance is kept between consumer experience and ad delivery, which he said generates the most value for both viewer and advertiser. When he’s not working algorithmic magic, Park is a percussionist who also dabbles in electric guitar and producing music. And he sees his artistic pursuits as a mirror to his professional ones. “[Music] is a great balance of precision and creativity and technical excellence, but also knowing your audience and creating something that’s exciting for them,” he said. “Advertising is the same way.” See all of Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 honorees here Park took a leading role in developing multiple ad products to ensure as much, such as Yield Optimized Delivery Allocation (or YODA) and Mission Control, which allow Disney to algorithmically manage its programmatic inventory at higher volumes and curate delivery. “I see myself as an ambassador in the ad space where I can have a tangible material impact not just delivering ads, but really making our subscription accessible,” said Park, pointing to subscription prices amidst difficult economic conditions. “I’ve been able to evangelize and ground our organization in the belief that when we reward our viewers, our advertisers win as well.” Ad Age Media Summit Hear from industry leaders during October event in NYC Register here If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, who would it be and why? Steph Curry, to thank him for bringing some hardware back to the Bay Area and because of his joyful approach to family, faith and his craft. Afterward, we’d head to the gym to work on my jumper ... What are the top two social media sites you use on a regular basis? Instagram (and Facebook when I need to sell something …) What’s currently on your bedside reading list? The Bible. I’ve read a lot of books, but it’s the only one that’s ever read me. What was the last show you binge-watched? “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu. Great show if you like Steve Martin and/or yelling at cliffhangers. At what age do you hope to retire? Health-willing, I think I’ll always be “working” on something. Be it a passion project or a new venture, I like the idea of focusing on a blank canvas in the not-so-distant future. See all of Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 honorees here

Brian Park balances the heart and brain of Disney’s streaming ad business

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