Mike Shields

Founder and Editor at Shields Strategic Consulting / Next in Marketing

Founding the Next in Marketing newsletter and providing sharp, independent editorial analysis on AdTech, programmatic advertising, and streaming media that is widely read by industry executives and investors.

Thought Leader nextinmarketing.comNew York, New York, United States25+ years in industry

Last updated Feb 27, 2026 by AI Enrichment

Bio

Mike Shields is one of the most recognized independent journalists and analysts covering the intersection of advertising technology, media, and digital business. He is best known as the founder of Next in Marketing, a newsletter and media property that delivers sharp, insider-level analysis on programmatic advertising, streaming, retail media, and the broader AdTech ecosystem. His work is essential reading for C-suite executives, investors, and practitioners navigating the rapidly shifting digital advertising landscape. Shields built his reputation over more than two decades at some of the most prestigious media outlets in the industry. He served as a senior reporter and editor at Business Insider covering advertising and media, and previously held roles at The Wall Street Journal and Adweek, where he developed deep sourcing and expertise across the buy side, sell side, and technology layers of the advertising industry. His reporting has consistently broken news and shaped industry narratives around major platform shifts, M&A activity, and emerging business models. Through Shields Strategic Consulting and the Next in Marketing newsletter, Shields has transitioned into an influential independent voice, combining journalism, consulting, and thought leadership. He is a sought-after speaker at major industry conferences including Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, and CES, and regularly appears as a commentator on media and AdTech trends. His ability to translate complex technology and business dynamics into accessible, actionable insights has made him a trusted resource across the advertising and media investment communities.

Previous Roles

Senior Reporter / Editor, Advertising & Media

Business Insider (2015-2020)

Reporter / Editor

The Wall Street Journal (2013-2015)

Reporter / Editor

Adweek (2000-2013)

Expertise

Programmatic AdvertisingStreaming Media and CTV AdvertisingRetail Media NetworksDigital Media Business ModelsAdTech Industry AnalysisIdentity ResolutionMedia and Advertising M&ANewsletter and Independent Media

Notable Achievements

Founded Next in Marketing, one of the most widely read independent newsletters covering AdTech and digital media
Built a multi-decade career as a senior journalist at Business Insider, The Wall Street Journal, and Adweek covering the advertising and media industries
Established Shields Strategic Consulting as a boutique advisory practice serving AdTech and media companies
Recognized as a go-to industry commentator and conference speaker on programmatic, streaming, and retail media trends

Speaking Topics

The Future of Programmatic AdvertisingStreaming and CTV Ad Market DynamicsRetail Media Networks and Commerce MediaIdentity and the Cookieless FutureDigital Media Business ModelsThe Evolving Role of Agencies in AdTech

Publications

Next in Marketing (newsletter)
Business Insider
The Wall Street Journal
Adweek