Veteran AI and data science leader joins to accelerate AI innovation and strategy

JWP Connatix, a leading video technology and monetization platform, announced the appointment of Kenneth Rona, Ph.D. as its first Chief AI Officer.

In this newly created role, Dr. Rona will lead efforts to transform JWP Connatix into an AI-first company, accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across the company’s products, services, and internal operations. He will play a central role in integrating AI into both new and existing JWP Connatix products, helping broadcasters, publishers, and advertisers unlock deeper insights, automations, and monetization opportunities across online video and connected TV.

An award-winning AI and data science executive, Dr. Rona brings more than 20 years of experience driving innovation in digital advertising and media technology. He has held leadership roles at Turner Broadcasting System and AOL, founded four startups—including SWYM, winner of the 2024 AdExchanger Award for “Best Industry Startup” and Chalice Custom Algorithms, winner of the 2022 AdExchanger Award for “Best Early Stage Technology Company” and “Best Demand-Side Technology” —and served as a strategic advisor to numerous ad tech companies, driving AI product strategy and data science optimization. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, and scalable data-driven solutions for digital media performance.

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“Ken is a rare combination of strategist, builder, and innovator,” said John Nardone, CEO of JWP Connatix. “His deep expertise, thought leadership, and entrepreneurial track record make him the ideal leader to guide our AI transformation. AI is driving the future of media, and Ken’s appointment ensures we can lead our broadcasting, publishing, and advertising customers to the opportunities ahead.”

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“AI is rapidly transforming the media industry, and the opportunities are endless,” said Dr. Rona. “JWP Connatix already has a strong foundation with AI-powered products like Deep Contextual™ for content analysis and targeting, and I’m excited to lead the team through this next chapter of innovation, developing new tools and products that accelerate business opportunities for our team and clients.”

Dr. Rona holds a Ph.D. in Management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has built products that have processed billions of daily transactions while delivering significant performance improvements for digital advertising campaigns.