Warner Bros. Discovery Executive Ryan Gould Appointed Chairman of OpenAP

S. ad sales for Warner Bros. Discovery, has been appointed chairman of OpenAP. OpenAP is a consortium of media and tech companies working to make digital ad-buying practices more interoperable among different publishers.

Gould replaces John Halley, the former head of ad sales for Paramount Skydance, who left that role late last year. David Levy, CEO of OpenAP, stated that Gould brings strategic vision and operational fluency to the role. Levy noted that the future of premium video depends on common standards and interoperable identity.

Under Gould's leadership, OpenAP aims to accelerate its mission to turn audience consistency into infrastructure. >"Ryan brings both strategic vision and operational fluency to this role," said David Levy, CEO of OpenAP. "He understands that the future of premium video depends on common standards and interoperable identity.

" — David Levy (Variety) The appointment occurs as advertisers increasingly emphasize the purchase of digital ad inventory, including content around streaming video. OpenAP was established in 2017 to support a single system for facilitating audience-based advertising buys.

This approach has become more common with technology that enables marketers to target audiences with greater precision using data on customer choices, viewer behavior, and digital presence.

Advertisers have shifted toward "audience buying," which involves deals based on specific consumer segments such as first-time car buyers or expectant mothers.

This method contrasts with traditional parameters focused on age and gender. OpenAP seeks to provide clarity and consistency in transacting on these audiences across platforms. OpenAP was founded by 21st Century Fox, Viacom, and WarnerMedia.

Its partners now include Samsung, LG Ad Solutions, Hallmark Digital, Vevo, Allen Media Group’s Local Now, Future Today’s FawesomeTV, MediaCo’s Estrella and Canela TV, Yahoo DSP, FreeWheel, PubMatic, Screenvision, Nexstar Media Group, Scripps Networks, Reelz, and Audacy.

Gould stated that OpenAP plays a foundational role in enabling the industry to transact on audiences with clarity and consistency. He noted that shared identity infrastructure in streaming and data-driven video is becoming more critical as the ecosystem evolves.

Gould looks forward to guiding OpenAP in deepening its role in a unified, audience-first video marketplace.

Gould was first appointed to OpenAP’s Board of Directors in 2025.

At Warner Bros. S. advertising portfolio across linear, streaming, and digital platforms. This includes sports, news, research, marketing, brand solutions, and commercial strategy. He has contributed to shaping how the company markets its premium video inventory.

The consortium's work addresses challenges in the digital advertising sector, where interoperability can affect how publishers and advertisers exchange data. Stakeholders include media companies, tech firms, and advertisers seeking efficient targeting methods. Future developments may involve expanding partnerships or advancing technical standards for ad transactions.