Brian O'Kelley

Brian O'Kelley is an advisor at Blockthrough and a serial entrepreneur in the field of digital advertising. Brian is best known for their work as co-founder and CEO of AppNexus, one of the largest independent ad-tech companies, which they grew from a startup to a global business before selling it to AT&T in 2018.

O'Kelley began their career in the early days of the internet, working on web development and marketing projects for companies like LogicSpan and Scope3. Brian later transitioned into the world of online advertising, first as CTO of Right Media and then as co-founder and CEO of AppNexus. Under O'Kelley's leadership, AppNexus became one of the largest independent ad-tech companies, with a global reach and clients that included some of the world's biggest brands.

In 2018, O'Kelley sold AppNexus to AT&T for $1.6 billion. Following the sale, they served as a strategic advisor to Xandr, AT&T's advertising division. Brian is now an advisor at Blockthrough, a startup that is developing technology to help publishers monetize their websites without relying on advertising.

Brian O'Kelley has a BSE from Princeton University in Computer Science. Brian also has certification from the Institute for Advertising Ethics as a Certified Ethical Advertising Executive. Additionally, they have certification from edX in Supply Chain Comprehensive Exam and from Emtrain in both Preventing Workplace Harassment and Ethical Decision Making.