Orchid Richardson
Orchid Richardson is one of the AdTech industry's most recognized leaders in data strategy, identity resolution, and privacy-compliant advertising. As VP and Managing Director of IAB's Data Center of Excellence, she leads the industry body's efforts to educate, align, and set standards around data usage, audience targeting, and the evolving identity landscape — work that has become increasingly critical as third-party cookies deprecate and privacy regulations reshape the ecosystem. Richardson brings deep operational and strategic experience from both the buy and sell sides of digital advertising. Prior to IAB, she held senior roles at companies including Nielsen and other data and media organizations, where she developed expertise in audience measurement, data partnerships, and programmatic infrastructure. Her career trajectory reflects a consistent focus on making data more actionable, transparent, and trustworthy for advertisers and publishers alike. At IAB, Richardson is known for translating complex data and identity challenges into accessible frameworks and guidance for the broader industry. She is a frequent speaker at major AdTech conferences and contributes to working groups that shape how the industry approaches consent, first-party data activation, and post-cookie identity solutions. Her influence spans both technical standards-setting and practitioner education, making her a distinctive bridge between policy and practice.
Last updated Jun 11, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jun 15, 2026
- Years in industry
- 15 years
Bio
Orchid Richardson is one of the AdTech industry's most recognized leaders in data strategy, identity resolution, and privacy-compliant advertising. As VP and Managing Director of IAB's Data Center of Excellence, she leads the industry body's efforts to educate, align, and set standards around data usage, audience targeting, and the evolving identity landscape — work that has become increasingly critical as third-party cookies deprecate and privacy regulations reshape the ecosystem. Richardson brings deep operational and strategic experience from both the buy and sell sides of digital advertising. Prior to IAB, she held senior roles at companies including Nielsen and other data and media organizations, where she developed expertise in audience measurement, data partnerships, and programmatic infrastructure. Her career trajectory reflects a consistent focus on making data more actionable, transparent, and trustworthy for advertisers and publishers alike. At IAB, Richardson is known for translating complex data and identity challenges into accessible frameworks and guidance for the broader industry. She is a frequent speaker at major AdTech conferences and contributes to working groups that shape how the industry approaches consent, first-party data activation, and post-cookie identity solutions. Her influence spans both technical standards-setting and practitioner education, making her a distinctive bridge between policy and practice.
Career
Senior Director, Data Center of Excellence
IAB · prior to VP promotion
Senior Role in Data & Audience Strategy
Nielsen · prior to IAB
Expertise & education
Expertise
Speaking topics
Recognition
Notable achievements
- Led IAB's Data Center of Excellence, establishing it as a key industry resource for data strategy and identity education
- Developed and disseminated industry frameworks to help publishers and advertisers adapt to post-third-party-cookie environments
- Contributed to IAB working groups shaping data privacy and identity standards across the digital advertising ecosystem
Publications
- IAB Data Center of Excellence reports and whitepapers on identity and data strategy