Joshua Lowcock

Joshua Lowcock is one of the advertising industry's most recognized advocates for brand safety, media responsibility, and ethical media buying. As Global Chief Media Officer at UM (Universal McCann), part of IPG Mediabrands, he has shaped how major global advertisers think about where and how their media dollars are spent — championing the idea that brands have a responsibility not just to reach audiences efficiently, but to do so in ways that support quality journalism and avoid funding misinformation or harmful content. His work has helped move brand safety from a niche compliance concern to a central strategic priority for agencies and advertisers worldwide. Lowcock's career spans senior roles across media agencies and digital platforms, with deep expertise in programmatic advertising, media strategy, and digital innovation. At UM, he has led global media strategy and overseen the agency's approach to emerging technologies, data-driven advertising, and sustainable media practices. He has been a consistent critic of the attention economy's darker incentives — including the monetization of extremist and misleading content — and has worked with industry bodies to establish clearer standards for brand suitability and advertiser responsibility. Beyond his agency role, Lowcock is a prolific industry voice, regularly speaking at conferences such as Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, and the ANA Masters of Marketing. He contributes thought leadership on topics ranging from the future of identity in a cookieless world to the ethical obligations of brands in the digital ecosystem. His influence extends into industry governance, with involvement in organizations working to improve transparency and accountability across the media supply chain.

• Established UM as a leading agency voice on brand safety and media responsibility globally
• Vocal advocate for advertiser responsibility in funding quality journalism over misinformation
• Drove industry-level conversations on ethical media buying and supply chain transparency
• Regular keynote speaker at Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, and ANA conferences on brand safety and media ethics

• Contributed op-eds and thought leadership pieces to Ad Age, Campaign, and industry trade publications on brand safety and media responsibility