The Trade Desk Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of Sarah Gavin as CMO
1. A Major Addition to The Trade Desk's Leadership
On June 11, 2026, The Trade Desk, a prominent player in the global advertising technology landscape, announced the appointment of Sarah Gavin as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Executive Vice President. Starting June 15, Gavin will be stationed at the company’s Bellevue office and will report directly to Jeff Green, the CEO and Founder of The Trade Desk. This strategic hire comes as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhance its market presence and customer engagement in an increasingly complex advertising environment.
2. Sarah Gavin: A Proven Leader in Marketing
Gavin's career is marked by significant achievements in marketing and communications across various leading technology companies. Prior to her new role at The Trade Desk, she served as Chief Communications Officer and Interim Chief Marketing Officer at Zendesk, where she played a crucial role in transforming the company into a leader in AI-powered customer service solutions. Her expertise also extends to her previous tenure at Google Cloud, where she was instrumental in shaping the global narrative strategy during a pivotal shift towards generative AI technologies.
Before her time at Google, Gavin spent over a decade at Expedia Group, where she held the position of Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Corporate Brand. Her extensive experience in brand, product marketing, demand generation, and integrated communications positions her as a valuable asset to The Trade Desk.
3. Vision for the Future of Advertising
In a statement about her new role, Gavin expressed her enthusiasm for joining The Trade Desk, highlighting the company's commitment to innovation, transparency, and the potential of the open internet. “The Trade Desk has earned the trust of the world's leading marketers by helping them navigate an increasingly complex advertising landscape,” Gavin stated. “There is an incredible opportunity to help marketers better understand the value of the open internet and the role The Trade Desk plays in driving growth.”
CEO Jeff Green echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the future of advertising will be shaped by marketers who embrace change and innovation. “The Trade Desk is uniquely positioned to help lead that future, and Sarah is the right leader to help us tell that story,” he remarked.
4. Continued Investment in Leadership
Gavin’s appointment is part of a broader strategy to enhance The Trade Desk's leadership capabilities. This follows the recent hiring of Nate Olmstead as the Chief Financial Officer, reflecting the company's commitment to strengthening its executive team as it pursues long-term growth objectives. Anna Sayre, who temporarily filled the CMO role, will return to her previous position as Senior Vice President of Global Brand Marketing.
5. Conclusion
With Sarah Gavin at the helm of its marketing efforts, The Trade Desk is poised to further elevate its brand, deepen customer relationships, and solidify its leadership position in the advertising technology sector. As the industry undergoes rapid transformation, Gavin's extensive background and innovative vision will be crucial in navigating the complexities of modern advertising and harnessing the full potential of the open internet. The Trade Desk continues to demonstrate its commitment to growth and excellence, ensuring it remains a trusted partner for marketers around the world.