CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 WINNER
| Helen Katz is the 11th recipient of the Erwin Ephron Demystification Award and is an insightful and thoughtful communicator. She has had a sizable impact across her career, most currently as EVP of Research at Publicis Media. Here she leads the global Data Intelligence practice and is a trusted industry expert data quality and reliable measurement. In addition, Helen is an adjunct professor at both DePaul University and New York University. She is published author on numerous articles in industry and academic journals, as well as three textbooks on advertising and media, the most recent of which is The Media Handbook. Helen is an active member of JIC and the MRC, and a stalwart supporter of the ARF. Presently, she is a member of its Board of Trustees and often lends her knowledge to numerous ARF programs and initiatives. |
FULL BIO:
In her current role, Helen Katz co-leads the global Data Intelligence practice at Publicis Media, a central team that provides insight, consulting, best practices and thought leadership in analytics and research. Helen oversees global data and research partnerships for Publicis Media and is a trusted industry expert on data quality and reliable measurement. She is currently an active member of both the U.S. Joint Industry Committee on alternative currencies, as well as the Media Rating Council.
A 23-year Publicis Groupe veteran, Katz has served in various strategic research capacities for Publicis Media, Starcom, Zenith and GM Planworks – the holding company’s former division devoted to the General Motors business. In 2009, she was integral to the Publicis Groupe team that launched The Pool – a unique research consortium that aimed to identify the next new ad formats across various channels such as online video, mobile/tablets and more. Prior to joining Publicis Groupe, she was Vice President, Media Research Manager at DDB Needham.
She began her career as an advertising professor at Michigan State University and is currently an adjunct professor at DePaul University and New York University. She has published numerous articles in industry and academic journals, as well as three textbooks on advertising and media, the most recent of which is The Media Handbook (8th edition, 2022). She is the ex-officio Chair of the Executive Committee of the Media Rating Council, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Advertising Research Foundation. Katz is also the recipient of the Advertising Research Foundation’s “Great Minds” award for research innovation, Jay Chiat’s Strategic Excellence Silver Award for innovation, and Stars of Attribution leadership award.
Katz has a master’s degree in advertising and a Ph.D. in communications from the University of Illinois and was an undergraduate English major at the University of London.
About the Demystification Award
The Demystification Award was established in 2014 in tribute to Erwin Ephron, the father of ‘recency’ and pioneer in media planning. Erwin was a legend in his own right, known for his many “wits and wisdoms,” but especially for his ability to translate complex subjects into palatable, actionable concepts, and simple to understand stories. Erwin was above all else a storyteller.
This Award honors industry leaders who can, like Erwin, take complex subjects and make them accessible and understandable. This individual embodies a unique combination of intellect, leadership, and communication skills, and can easily translate complicated ideas into action.
Criteria
The winner excels in some or all the following practices:
- Challenges conventional thinking
- Motivates forward conceptualizing
- Promotes proactive debate and creative ideas
- Translates ideas into action
- Instills thoughtful understanding through clear articulation in public speaking and in writing
- Embraces analytics and/or technology that address the complexities of modern markets
- Inspires communication that speaks to CEOs and CFOs
- Encourages collegiality
- Moves the industry and will leave a legacy
Past Winners
Want to Learn More
Learn more about Erwin by checking out “WOW! The Wit and Wisdom of Erwin Ephron.”
Have Questions?
Please contact Events Director Sara Serpe at sara@thearf.org