Dentsu UK has announced the promotion of John Thankamony to the position of Managing Director – Total Addressable. Previously serving as Managing Director – Addressable Media & Total Commerce, Thankamony has been a key figure at Dentsu since 2020. In this expanded remit, he will lead a massive team of over 250 media specialists, overseeing critical growth sectors including programmatic, retail media, and digital partnerships. The move highlights Dentsu’s strategic pivot towards deeply integrated, data-driven media solutions that offer precision and scale for global clients.
Strategic Mandate & Team Leadership
In his new capacity, Thankamony is responsible for harmonizing Dentsu’s most technical and data-heavy media channels:
| Focus Area | Strategic Importance |
| Retail Media | Helping brands leverage first-party retailer data to reach consumers at the point of purchase. |
| Programmatic | Utilizing automated, real-time bidding to optimize digital ad placements across the web. |
| Total Addressable | Creating a unified strategy where every media touchpoint is data-led and personalized to the individual user. |
| Publisher Partnerships | Strengthening direct ties with media owners to ensure premium inventory and brand safety for Dentsu clients. |
Professional Background: A Two-Decade Journey
John Thankamony’s career reflects a steady climb through the global media and technology landscape:
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The Dentsu Era: Joined in 2020, quickly rising through leadership roles in Addressable Media and Commerce.
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Global Pedigree: Previous high-level stints at Google, Mindshare, iProspect, and Merkle EMEA.
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Regional Influence: Former involvement with IAB Southeast Asia and India, showcasing his grasp of diverse global markets.
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Origins: Started his career in 2006 as a Sales Representative at Necta Technology, building a foundation in direct sales before moving into complex media analytics and strategy.
