Hearst Television has promoted Christopher Martinez to the newly created role of Vice President, Advanced Advertising, expanding his responsibilities across digital product development and ad technology strategy as the company continues to grow its streaming and advanced advertising business.
In his new role, Martinez will oversee digital advertising product development, platform integrations and the company’s ad-tech stack, while helping guide emerging platform strategy. He will also continue working closely with clients and partners, positioning the role as a bridge between Hearst’s product innovation efforts and evolving market demands.
Martinez joined Hearst Television in 2021 as Over-the-Top Director of Sales; he will continue to report to Jonathan Sumber, the Vice President of Digital Sales. The appointment was announced Monday by Michael J. Hayes, the President of Hearst Television.
“Chris understands the nexus between digital advertising and legacy media,” Hayes said in a statement, noting Martinez’s role in expanding Hearst’s digital footprint and delivering performance-driven advertising solutions. Sumber added that the position will serve as a “connective point between product innovation and real-time market conditions.”
Martinez’s promotion follows a period of significant growth in Hearst Television’s OTT business. Since his arrival four years ago, the company has tripled its OTT revenue, reflecting broader industry momentum around connected TV and streaming-based advertising.
Before joining Hearst, Martinez began his career at Katz Television Group in 2014, where he worked as a sales assistant before advancing to Account Executive. He later moved into integrated video, supporting Hearst’s over-the-top product, Hearst Anyscreen. In 2017, he received the inaugural Television Bureau of Advertising Next Award for Television Sales, recognizing emerging leaders in the industry.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Martinez has been active in internal mentorship initiatives at Hearst Television and participates in several industry organizations, including committees within the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB) and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).
