Stephen Zhawred

Pioneer
DISC Type : DIS

Director, Brand Sales - Commerce Media at PubMatic

Fairfield, Connecticut, United States

Overview

Stephen is a strategic leader in commerce and retail media with over 20 years of experience in advertising sales and brand partnerships. Currently the Director of Brand Sales for Commerce Media at PubMatic, he previously co-led the Western Union Media Network. Colleagues describe him as a "collaborative, " "passionate, " and "creative" leader. He holds a Bachelors Degree from Emerson College.

His professional focus is on connecting brands with high-intent, multicultural audiences through innovative data-driven solutions. He has a history of driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams at major agencies and media platforms, including VMLY&R COMMERCE and Western Union.

Unique fact: Stephen is a past winner of the TracyLocke Linchpin Award for indispensable leadership and the Action Hero Award for superior passion and dedication.

Personality Overview

Decisive But Friendly

Friendly But Fast

Dynamic But Sincere

They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed  They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders) If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product

Topics They Care About

Commerce Media
His entire career, including current role at PubMatic and previous leadership at Western Union Media Network, is focused on monetizing commerce and retail media platforms.
Multicultural Audiences
He has emphasized connecting brands with multicultural consumers, particularly highlighted in his work and posts regarding Hispanic audiences at Western Union.
Brand Partnerships
A core theme in his roles is developing strategic partnerships to connect major brands with high-value audiences across various digital and in-store touchpoints.

Media Appearances

Stephen has no verified media appearances

Work History

12-2025
Director, Brand Sales - Commerce Media at PubMatic
1-2024 - 12-2025
Director, Global Advertising Sales & Partnerships | Co-General Manager at Western Union
1-2021 - 1-2024
Senior Vice President, Client Engagement (a WPP Creative Commerce Agency) at VMLY&R COMMERCE
10-2020 - 1-2021
Senior Vice President, Client Engagement (a WPP Creative Commerce Agency) at Geometry Global
6-2019 - 10-2020
Vice President Agency at IN Connected Marketing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree from Emerson College

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 6 Location : Fairfield, Connecticut, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director, Brand Sales - Commerce Media at PubMatic
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Insights For Selling To Stephen

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Mostly stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, but add some stories or anecdotes to it
  • Showcase existing customers and use case-studies to grab their attention
  • Build a trustworthy relationship while keeping the product center-stage

DONT's

  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine
  • Don't lean very heavily into providing too much information, sharing whitepapers etc.
  • Don’t be very informal during the early interactions even if they are being so themselves

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Stephen is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Stephen

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Stephen move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Stephen take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Stephen

Personality Compatibility


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