David Adelman

Entrepreneurial media planning and buying professional, with over 40 years of experience pioneering innovative media strategies and leading integrated campaigns for consumer, healthcare, and B2B brands.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, United States

About

Imagine having a media maverick at your disposal who's not just seen it all but shaped the landscape of advertising for over three decades. That's exactly what I bring to the table for you. From helping launch MediaVest to revolutionizing TN Media, I've been at the forefront of media strategy and operations innovation. Remember when the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show first graced television screens? That was my brainchild. I've turned stagnant brands into industry leaders and pioneered digital media strategies when others were still clinging to traditional methods. My career reads like a who's who of advertising giants - Initiative Media, McCann-Erickson, Saatchi & Saatchi working with blue-chip clients like P&G, Nestle, and Campbell's Soup Company - where I honed my skills before embarking on a 20-year journey as a media agency owner. During this time, I've consistently outperformed larger, more established agencies in pitches, helped turnaround many stagnant or declining brands, and pioneered programmatic media buying. But I'm not just about past glories. As a current board member of the Alliance For Audited Media, I'm actively working with an ad industry not-for-profit to combat fraud in media buying. This demonstrates my ongoing commitment to integrity, honesty, and innovation in our industry. With five successful company launches and four exits under my belt, I bring a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and corporate expertise. I'm eager to inject this dynamic energy into your team, driving growth and pushing boundaries in the ever-evolving media landscape. I’ve been consistently at the forefront of emerging media trends and technologies and have a track record of pioneering new approaches that drive results. I'm eager to leverage my unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and innovative thinking to propel your organization to new heights in today's complex media landscape. Let's discuss how my experience can directly impact your growth objectives. Let's meet and discuss how my track record of transforming brands and pioneering media strategies can propel your organization to new heights. I'm confident that my wealth of experience, industry relationships, and innovative approach make me an ideal fit to help you grow.

Experience

  • Founder/President at Prospero Media Solutions
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

    In today’s complex media landscape, success depends on making informed decisions about where to focus your efforts. My strategic consultancy's approach helps you confidently move forward, knowing the right steps to take next. Whether it's media buying & strategy, strategic or financial audits, developing a turn-around strategy, or a fractional media director let me help you navigate the complexities of today's media world.

  • Board Member at Alliance for Audited Media
    May 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 2 mos

    Led the BPA, as Chair, through a merger with the Alliance for Audited Media.

  • Volunteer Mentor at Don Ryan Center for Innovation
    Jan 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 6 mos

  • President at Prospero Programmatic
    Dec 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 7 mos

    Programmatic solutions for smaller budgeted brands. We have found most clients with limited budgets don't get the best outcomes from larger DSPs. The algorithms are written for clients with large budgets. Smaller clients need to be smarter and being smarter in programmatic means fnding the right impressions faster. We've developed that solution.

  • Chief Executive Officer at OCD Media, LLC
    Jun 2003 - Oct 2025 · 22 yrs 5 mos

    Entrepreneurial media planning and buying agency for marketers seeking hands on care and superior media strategy from highly experienced professionals. Clients include: Eight O'Clock Coffee, Tetley Tea, Jackson Hewitt Tax Prep, Rebootizer, Municipal Credit Union of NY, Independence Care System of NY, Globe Equipment Company, ACH Foods, B&G Foods, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Warner-Chilcott, BIC, BMW Motorcycles, Lifestyles Condoms, Panasonic, Casio, Central Avian/Kaytee Pet Products, Weleda, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Univ of Chicago Medical Center, Watson Pharmaceuticals, EMMI Yogurt.