Head of Industry, Retail

WHAT YOU'LL DO Viant has established strong momentum across the Retail industry and is seeking a Head of Industry, Retail to accelerate growth within one of our most strategic verticals. This executive leader will expand brand-direct demand, deepen agency adoption, and strengthen Viant's position as the leading AI-powered programmatic platform for retail marketers by delivering innovative identity, measurement, and omnichannel advertising solutions. This role requires 15+ years of advertising experience and a minimum of 5+ years working with retail brands in a brand-direct, agency, or ad technology environment. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of building executive relationships, driving category revenue, and developing high-performing go-to-market teams. Working cross-functionally with Sales, Product, Business Development, Marketing, and Measurement, this leader will help shape Viant's Retail strategy while accelerating growth across brick-and-mortar, ecommerce, omnichannel, and specialty retailers. THE DAY-TO-DAY Scale Viant's Retail business by expanding strategic relationships with leading retailers across department stores, specialty retail, ecommerce, grocery, home improvement, apparel, RMNs, and other retail categories. Position Viant as the premier AI-powered programmatic platform for retail marketers by evangelizing our identity, content, attention and omnichannel advertising capabilities. Drive industry awareness through thought leadership, executive presentations, industry conferences, and client education. Own and grow brand-direct demand while partnering with the broader sales organization to accelerate agency adoption across the Retail category. Develop and execute a category-specific go-to-market strategy that increases Viant's presence within key retail marketing organizations and annual media budgets. Partner with agencies and retail advertisers to help them navigate evolving consumer behavior, commerce media, identity, and measurement trends while positioning Viant as the platform of choice. Recruit, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of Retail-focused sales leaders and account professionals. Define category success metrics and lead execution against ambitious revenue, adoption, and growth objectives. Serve as the executive face of Viant's Retail business at client meetings, executive briefings, and industry events. Partner closely with Product and Business Development teams to develop innovative retail advertising solutions, commerce partnerships, audience capabilities, and measurement offerings that strengthen Viant's competitive position. GREAT TO HAVE 15+ years of advertising experience, including at least 5+ years supporting retail marketers. Deep expertise across retail categories, including ecommerce, specialty retail, grocery, department stores, home improvement, apparel, or omnichannel retail. Strong understanding of programmatic advertising, including CTV, Online Video, Display, Mobile, Streaming ...