David Steele Gleason

David Steele Gleason

Meet David Gleason: a media wizard with a Ph.D. He turns viewer data into gold, making streaming platforms sing and brand strategies dance! Basically, he’s the fairy godfather of entertainment insights!

David Gleason | Expertise in Media, Strategy, and Insights

Unveiling Insights, Crafting Strategies

David Gleason—a distinguished leader in entertainment research, brand strategy, and consumer insights. With over two decades of experience shaping the future of media, he transforms industry challenges into opportunities for meaningful growth and innovation.

About David Gleason

David Gleason is a visionary media executive with deep expertise in research and strategy, recognized for his ability to transform complex data into compelling business narratives. He has served in senior leadership roles for some of the most influential organizations in entertainment, including NBCUniversal, OWN (The Oprah Winfrey Network), and Disney Channel. Throughout his tenure at these industry leaders, he has been instrumental in shaping audience engagement strategies and driving brand growth across diverse platforms. His work integrates a profound understanding of consumer behavior with cutting-edge insights, enabling brands to resonate deeply with audiences in an ever-evolving digital landscape. By bridging the gap between traditional media frameworks and emerging technologies, Gleason ensures that content remains impactful and relevant in an increasingly fragmented global market.

David Gleason’s Lecture at the University of Pennsylvania

From Spike TV to P&G- Mktg & Comm in the 21st Century

David Gleason, Ph.D., W’90, ASC ’95, GR’99, serves as the Senior Vice President and Strategy Director at Publicis New York, a prominent advertising and media services agency known for its high-profile clients such as Citi, BMW, Prilosec, Nyquil, and Pepto-Bismol. With a career that spans from his academic roots at Penn to his roles at MTV Networks and Ogilvy & Mather, David offers a candid perspective on the exhilarating highs and substantial challenges that define the contemporary advertising landscape.

Whether running research for streaming platforms or advising on organizational change, David approaches each opportunity with a meticulous, reflective perspective, tailoring strategies that deliver measurable impact.

Driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling and a dedication to informed decision-making, David stands as a vital, trusted advisor for leadership teams. He specializes in helping these executives navigate the fluctuating tides and rapid transformations of the modern entertainment and advertising industries. By offering strategic guidance rooted in both narrative craft and data-driven insights, he ensures that organizations can thrive amidst constant market shifts.

A Legacy of Leadership in Strategy and Insights

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Insights | Peacock/DTC (2019 – 2024)

Guided strategic research and insights during the launch of NBCUniversal’s premiere streaming platform. David excelled in aligning viewer data with content strategy to optimize user engagement and satisfaction.

Senior Vice President, Research | OWN (2009 – 2013)

Honed and directed initiatives that bridged the gap between Oprah Winfrey’s unique vision and evolving audience expectations. His leadership solidified OWN’s foundation as a household name in emotionally resonant programming.

Other Key Roles:

  • Senior Vice President, Direct-to-Consumer & Digital Enterprises | NBCUniversal
  • Senior Vice President, Research | E! Networks
  • Senior Partner, Strategy Director | Publicis

David’s rich trajectory includes several other notable positions shaping the media narrative at MTV Networks, Ogilvy + Mather, and beyond.

Academic Excellence

David’s intellect is sharpened by prestigious credentials reflecting his lifelong commitment to understanding media and communications:

  • Ph.D., Communications/Media Studies – University of Pennsylvania
  • M.S., Communications – University of Pennsylvania
  • B.S., Economics/Finance – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

Widely regarded for his academic rigor, these institutions enriched David’s ability to merge analytical thinking with creative ingenuity.

Core Skills

  • Digital Media & Strategy
  • Consumer Analytics & Insights
  • Marketing & Brand Research
  • Broadcast and Streaming Analysis
  • Organizational Structure & Change Management

David masterfully weaves these capabilities into strategies that propel organizations forward, always staying attuned to the evolving dynamics of media consumption.

Get in Touch with David Gleason

Elevate your project with expertise that delivers results. Reach out to David to learn how he can align actionable strategy with your brand’s unique vision.

David Steele Gleason Posts