Cannes Lions: AI Is Changing Ad Tech. Trust Is Still the Real Currency | Emma Newman, PubMatic

AI is reshaping digital advertising. But in an increasingly automated world, trust could be the industry's most valuable currency.

Recorded live at Cannes Lions 2026, Justin Cooke sits down with Emma Newman, Chief Revenue Officer, EMEA at PubMatic, for a sharp conversation about the forces transforming ad tech.

From agentic AI and supply chain simplification to publisher value, transparency and the power of human relationships, Emma explores what's changing, what's next, and where the real opportunities lie.

Plus, why embracing calculated risks, learning from mistakes and keeping people at the heart of business still matter in the age of AI.

The future of advertising is being rewritten. Is the industry ready?

In this episode, we also explore:

• AI beyond the hype: How agentic AI is changing campaign optimisation, efficiency and performance.
• Trust in an automated world: Why transparency, governance and human oversight matter more than ever.
• A smarter supply chain: How simplifying programmatic advertising can benefit both buyers and publishers.
• People still matter: Why human connection and trusted partnerships remain central to doing business.
• Leadership lessons: Why calculated risks, learning from mistakes and giving teams room to grow are essential in a fast-moving industry.

As Emma puts it:

“We are still a human-to-human industry.”