Chris has a diverse background in various ad sales roles across multiple companies. He is currently serving as the SVP of Mobile Performance at Creative Clicks, a role he has held since November 2022. Prior to that, he was the VP of U.S. Sales & Agency Development at Taptica, where he led strategic growth initiatives for mobile app advertisers.
Before joining Taptica, Chris worked at Adaptly as the Regional Head of Sales, responsible for generating new business revenue on the West Coast and managing strategic relationships with existing clients, from January 2016 to January 2017. He also gained valuable experience at Twitter, where he served as a Client Partner for Media & Entertainment from August 2012 to January 2016.
Earlier in his career, Chris worked as an Account Executive at CBS Corporation from July 2011 to August 2012, and as a Channel Sales Manager at Jivox from June 2009 to July 2011. He began his career as a Senior Account Executive at KOFY TV with Granite Broadcasting, where he worked from September 2006 to March 2009.
In your own words, what’s your role in the app business right now?
My role in the app business is to provide transparent, scalable, and efficient growth opportunities for app advertisers who are looking to reach and engage with their ideal customers on mobile devices.
How did you end up working in apps?
I spent over five years on the paid social side of the industry before deciding to move into the app space. I saw a major untapped opportunity in app advertising and chose to focus exclusively on working with app advertisers. At the time, paid social was complex and difficult to execute — this was before the platforms revamped their interfaces and FMPs (Facebook Marketing Partners) entered the market. I see app advertising going through a similar phase of challenges and evolution. My role has always been, and continues to be, to provide advanced in-app solutions for app advertisers looking to grow their user base.
What are you most excited about in apps right now?
It’s the fast-paced evolution of the space that excites me. What worked ten years ago didn’t work five years ago. What worked five years ago doesn’t work today, and what works today won’t work in five years.
Is there anyone you’d like to shout out to who has influenced your journey in the app industry?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Dan Ackerman at The Trade Desk for influencing how I mentor and lead by example. He’s one of the best to do it — whether he means to or not, it’s inspiring to see someone who can truly walk the walk and talk the talk.
What’s in your app tech stack?
I’m a fan of Slack, Telegram, HubSpot, Apptopia, Sensor Tower, and Lusha. And where else would I go for all my news and updates? Business of Apps, of course.
What do you like most about working in apps?
The people. When you stay in the space long enough, you realize just how small the industry really is, coworkers turn into friends quicker than you’d expect.
What one thing would you change about the app industry?
More transparency. Just as the advertising industry is evolving to cater to the individual and give them more control over their data, I think the app industry should follow suit — catering to advertisers and giving them more control over their marketing.
If you weren’t working in apps what would you be doing?
I’d be a full-time coach for each of my kids’ sports teams.
iOS or Android?
iOS.
What apps have been most useful to you over the last year?
Garmin Connect.
What’s on your Spotify / Music party playlist?
A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey.
Any TV show recommendations?
Sweet Magnolias.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
If I’m not working or traveling for a mobile conference, you can find me running a trail in the Oakland Hills.
Do you know someone driving change and growth in the app industry? Nominate an app leader here.
