CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 WINNER!
| Howard Shimmel is the 12th recipient of the Erwin Ephron Demystification Award. With more than 45 years in media research and analytics, he has shaped the industry’s understanding of audiences, measurement and media effectiveness. As Chief Research Officer at Turner Broadcasting, he advanced cross-platform consumer insights and launched Turner AdLab to address the shift from linear to digital video. Across senior leadership roles at Nielsen and through his work with Janus Strategy & Insights and datafuelX, he has focused on strengthening forecasting, optimization and ROI measurement for brands and media companies. A longtime contributor and past board member of the ARF and MRC, he has played an active role in major research initiatives, including the ARF’s Context Effects study and the 2021 CIMM study on identifying best practices for integration of Set Top Box (STB) and Smart TV data. Still an active speaker, he recently participated at an ARF Insight Studio on Big Data. His career reflects a consistent commitment to turning complex data into clear, practical guidance for present and future industry leaders alike. |
FULL BIO:
Howard Shimmel is President, Janus Strategy & Insights, an established US based research consultancy. In addition, he is Co-Founder and Head of Strategy for datafuelX, a company that specializes in forecasting and optimization for media companies, agencies and brands. Howard was also Chief Research Officer at Turner, where he oversaw all multi-screen entertainment, news, kids and sports research, as well as corporate analysis and insight-led efforts. Prior to be promoted to his role in 2014, Howard was senior vice president of ad sales and sports research for Turner. He joined Turner from Nielsen Media & Advertising Analytics where he served as executive vice president responsible for building out an advanced analytic business focused on issues like cross-platform analytics, advanced media targeting, promotion effectiveness and ROI measurement, for media companies, agencies and advertisers. Howard’s 45 years+ journey in media and measurement also includes time at America Online and MTV Networks.
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
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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.