January 20, 2026  |  SIGN UP

Ronan Shields
SENIOR REPORTER, AD TECH

January has been far from a slow news month, with OpenAI confirming what we already knew was inevitable by testing ads on its platform and major executive team overhauls at major platforms. 

However, elsewhere, the ad tech industry was saddened by the death of John Gentry, CEO of OpenX, with an outpouring of tributes reflecting the high regard in which he was held. And, ultimately, this serves as a reminder of how it's possible to conduct oneself with humanity, even in trying times.

In a final act of thoughtfulness, Gentry — known as “JG” to colleagues — shared the news himself on January 15 via a LinkedIn post. “This note is just a massive thank you,” he wrote, expressing gratitude to those who enriched his life.

OpenX said Gentry believed it was possible to lead with both rigor and humanity, a principle the company said it would carry forward. A pioneer in ad tech, Gentry joined OpenX in 2012 and previously held roles at Spot Runner, Green Dot, Disney and Overture.

Widely respected for his decency and accessibility, Gentry was remembered as someone who genuinely wanted others to thrive. 

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