Michael Steranka
Michael Steranka is a seasoned advertising and brand partnerships executive best known for his work at the intersection of gaming, augmented reality, and brand monetization. At Niantic, the company behind Pokémon GO and other location-based AR experiences, Steranka has been instrumental in developing innovative sponsorship and advertising models that leverage real-world foot traffic and AR engagement — a relatively novel frontier in the AdTech landscape. His work has helped define how brands can authentically integrate into location-based gaming environments at scale. Prior to Niantic, Steranka built a strong foundation in digital advertising and brand partnerships, with experience spanning gaming platforms and digital media. His career trajectory reflects a consistent focus on emerging media channels and how brands can connect with highly engaged audiences in non-traditional environments. He has been involved in developing partnership frameworks that go beyond standard display or video advertising, emphasizing experiential and location-based engagement mechanics. Steranka is regarded within the AdTech and gaming advertising community as a practitioner who understands both the technical underpinnings of digital monetization and the creative requirements of brand-safe, engaging advertising in interactive environments. His work at Niantic places him at a unique crossroads of mobile advertising, location data, and augmented reality — areas of growing strategic importance for the broader advertising industry.
Last updated Jul 22, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jul 27, 2026
- Years in industry
- 12 years
Bio
Michael Steranka is a seasoned advertising and brand partnerships executive best known for his work at the intersection of gaming, augmented reality, and brand monetization. At Niantic, the company behind Pokémon GO and other location-based AR experiences, Steranka has been instrumental in developing innovative sponsorship and advertising models that leverage real-world foot traffic and AR engagement — a relatively novel frontier in the AdTech landscape. His work has helped define how brands can authentically integrate into location-based gaming environments at scale. Prior to Niantic, Steranka built a strong foundation in digital advertising and brand partnerships, with experience spanning gaming platforms and digital media. His career trajectory reflects a consistent focus on emerging media channels and how brands can connect with highly engaged audiences in non-traditional environments. He has been involved in developing partnership frameworks that go beyond standard display or video advertising, emphasizing experiential and location-based engagement mechanics. Steranka is regarded within the AdTech and gaming advertising community as a practitioner who understands both the technical underpinnings of digital monetization and the creative requirements of brand-safe, engaging advertising in interactive environments. His work at Niantic places him at a unique crossroads of mobile advertising, location data, and augmented reality — areas of growing strategic importance for the broader advertising industry.
Career
Director of Brand Partnerships
Niantic · prior years
Advertising & Partnerships Role
Gaming/Digital Media · pre-Niantic
Expertise & education
Expertise
Speaking topics
Recognition
Notable achievements
- Helped build and scale Niantic's sponsored location and brand partnership program for Pokémon GO, one of the most successful mobile games globally
- Developed novel AR-based advertising formats that connect real-world foot traffic with brand engagement metrics