ABOUT ME

I’m Limi Simbakalia, a marketing data scientist and ad tech strategist
who builds bridges between raw data and business decisions.

 

Right now, I lead programmatic and activation planning for a $15MM global gaming account, managing a team across the US, EMEA, and APAC. My days are a mix of quantitative optimization (think: nested Excel models that cut CPMs by 45% while lifting sales 15% QoQ), AI workflow design (green Copilot templates that increased compliant usage by 60%), and client-facing strategy (turning RFP outputs into market-by-market plans for a major gaming title launch).

 

Before Dentsu, I managed $10MM+ in cross-channel budgets at Fundamental Media for asset management clients, trained 2 new hires per quarter, and served on an internal ad tech education committee. Earlier roles at Publicis Health Media, Xaxis, and a marketing analytics startup gave me reps in healthcare, automotive, CPG, and nonprofit verticals. What separates me from the pack? My background as a former math teacher and former bartender gives me the ability to break down large ideas into plain-language that could resonate with anyone from the classroom to the C-suite…and even down to the bar patron who once tasked me with explaining inflation to them using the back of a napkin.

 

I hold a BA in Economics (DePaul) and am wrapping up my MS in Data Science to compliment my certifications from Harvard (Python), Tufts (SQL), as well as 15 ad tech industry certifications from various programmatic powerhouses. Recently, I also became one of the early specialists in the AdCP agentic media buying protocol in addition to being one of the organization’s voting members on agentic media buying data governance.

 

Outside of work, I create gamified Excel training, contribute to open web ad tech discussions, and believe that the best analytics is the kind that makes non-technical people say, “Oh, now I get it.”  Currently on the hunt for my next challenge in ad tech or high‑growth startup where I can combine data science, AI, and team leadership to drive real outcomes.