Skip to content
JF

John Frank

Thought Leader

John Frank is a seasoned technology executive with deep roots in digital advertising, data privacy, and programmatic media. He is best known for his long tenure at Microsoft, where he served as Vice President of EU Government Affairs and later in senior roles within Microsoft Advertising, navigating complex regulatory environments including GDPR and helping shape the company's advertising and data strategy in Europe and globally. His work at the intersection of policy, privacy, and programmatic made him a respected voice in industry standards discussions. Prior to joining Coupa, Frank held a notable role at The Trade Desk, where he served as Vice President and contributed to the company's growth and its identity initiatives, including efforts around UID 2.0 and the future of cookieless advertising. His background spanning both the buy side and major platform players gave him a rare cross-ecosystem perspective on how data, identity, and privacy regulations reshape advertising infrastructure. At Coupa, Frank applies his expertise in strategic partnerships and technology alliances to the enterprise software space, bridging his AdTech background with broader B2B technology ecosystems. His career reflects a consistent focus on responsible data use, regulatory compliance, and building scalable technology partnerships across complex global markets.

Last updated Sep 9, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Sep 14, 2026

Role
Vice President, Strategic Alliances
Company
Coupa
Based
Seattle, Washington, United States
Connections
2
Years in industry
20 years

Bio

John Frank is a seasoned technology executive with deep roots in digital advertising, data privacy, and programmatic media. He is best known for his long tenure at Microsoft, where he served as Vice President of EU Government Affairs and later in senior roles within Microsoft Advertising, navigating complex regulatory environments including GDPR and helping shape the company's advertising and data strategy in Europe and globally. His work at the intersection of policy, privacy, and programmatic made him a respected voice in industry standards discussions. Prior to joining Coupa, Frank held a notable role at The Trade Desk, where he served as Vice President and contributed to the company's growth and its identity initiatives, including efforts around UID 2.0 and the future of cookieless advertising. His background spanning both the buy side and major platform players gave him a rare cross-ecosystem perspective on how data, identity, and privacy regulations reshape advertising infrastructure. At Coupa, Frank applies his expertise in strategic partnerships and technology alliances to the enterprise software space, bridging his AdTech background with broader B2B technology ecosystems. His career reflects a consistent focus on responsible data use, regulatory compliance, and building scalable technology partnerships across complex global markets.

Career

  • Vice President

    The Trade Desk · 2021-2023

  • Vice President, EU Government Affairs

    Microsoft · 2012-2018

  • Senior Director, Microsoft Advertising

    Microsoft · 2018-2021

Expertise & education

Expertise

Programmatic AdvertisingData Privacy & GDPR ComplianceIdentity ResolutionUID 2.0Strategic Alliances & PartnershipsGovernment Affairs & Regulatory PolicyDigital Advertising StrategyCookieless Advertising

Education

  • JD, Law (specific institution not confirmed)
  • BA, University (specific institution not confirmed)

Speaking topics

Data Privacy and Programmatic AdvertisingThe Future of Identity in a Cookieless WorldGDPR and Global Regulatory Compliance for AdTechStrategic Partnerships in Technology Ecosystems

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Led EU government affairs and privacy policy strategy at Microsoft during the implementation of GDPR
  • Contributed to The Trade Desk's identity and cookieless advertising initiatives including UID 2.0 advocacy
  • Helped shape cross-industry dialogue on responsible data use in programmatic advertising
Connection details