Veteran product leader will guide strategy, roadmap, and execution spanning web, mobile, and streaming TV
Index Exchange Inc. (Index), one of the world’s largest independent supply-side platforms (SSPs), today announced the appointment of James Wilhite as Vice President of Product. In this role, Wilhite will define and lead the strategy, roadmap, and innovation for Index’s ad exchange across multiple channels and formats – including streaming TV, mobile app, and web – advancing platform efficiency, transparency, and publisher value.
Wilhite brings more than a decade of experience building tools for the digital advertising ecosystem, with a track record of helping publishers and platforms maximize revenue, user experience, and brand alignment. He joins Index after leadership roles at OpenX and Publica (an IAS company), where he focused on product strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering intuitive solutions to complex challenges.
“When I first connected with Index, what stood out was the intelligence, empathy, and genuine enthusiasm of the team,” said Wilhite. “In an industry facing rapid change, Index is uniquely positioned to capitalize on new opportunities, and I’m energized to help shape the future of our exchange alongside such a talented group of people.”
Building on Index’s history of leadership in industry standards, Wilhite brings valuable experience from his work on the OpenRTB 2.6 specification for streaming TV, which earned him a service of excellence award from the IAB Tech Lab.
“James is a proven leader with a rare combination of deep market knowledge and a clear, customer-first vision,” said Michael McNeeley, SVP of Product at Index Exchange. “His ability to translate complex industry challenges into impactful products will be invaluable as we continue to grow and enhance the value we deliver to media owners and buyers.”
Wilhite is based in Los Angeles and will report to McNeeley.
