Chris Berend
Chris Berend is a senior digital media executive at Hearst Magazines, where he has led video strategy and content development efforts across the company's extensive portfolio of brands. In his role, he has been instrumental in building out Hearst's video capabilities, overseeing production, distribution, and monetization of video content across platforms including social, OTT, and owned-and-operated properties. His work sits at the intersection of premium content and digital advertising, making him a notable figure in publisher-side AdTech and video monetization. Berend's career has been focused on the evolving landscape of digital video, where publishers must balance editorial quality with advertising revenue requirements. At Hearst, he has navigated the shift toward programmatic video advertising, audience-based buying, and the growing importance of first-party data in a cookieless environment. His experience spans content strategy, revenue operations, and platform partnerships with major distributors and social networks. As a publisher-side operator, Berend represents the perspective of premium media brands grappling with fragmentation across video platforms, the rise of connected TV, and the need to develop scalable video ad products that meet both advertiser and audience expectations. He has been a voice for publisher interests in conversations around video standards and digital media monetization.
Last updated Jul 30, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Aug 23, 2026
- Years in industry
- 12 years
Bio
Chris Berend is a senior digital media executive at Hearst Magazines, where he has led video strategy and content development efforts across the company's extensive portfolio of brands. In his role, he has been instrumental in building out Hearst's video capabilities, overseeing production, distribution, and monetization of video content across platforms including social, OTT, and owned-and-operated properties. His work sits at the intersection of premium content and digital advertising, making him a notable figure in publisher-side AdTech and video monetization. Berend's career has been focused on the evolving landscape of digital video, where publishers must balance editorial quality with advertising revenue requirements. At Hearst, he has navigated the shift toward programmatic video advertising, audience-based buying, and the growing importance of first-party data in a cookieless environment. His experience spans content strategy, revenue operations, and platform partnerships with major distributors and social networks. As a publisher-side operator, Berend represents the perspective of premium media brands grappling with fragmentation across video platforms, the rise of connected TV, and the need to develop scalable video ad products that meet both advertiser and audience expectations. He has been a voice for publisher interests in conversations around video standards and digital media monetization.
Career
Senior Director, Video
Hearst Magazines · prior to VP role
Video and Digital Content roles
Various media organizations · prior to Hearst
Expertise & education
Expertise
Speaking topics
Recognition
Notable achievements
- Built and scaled Hearst Magazines' video division across a portfolio of major consumer brands
- Developed video monetization strategies bridging editorial content and programmatic advertising at scale