Howard Shimmel Honored with the 2026 Erwin Ephron Demystification Award by ARF

Howard Shimmel Honored with the Erwin Ephron Demystification Award

The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) has proudly announced that Howard Shimmel will be the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Erwin Ephron Demystification Award. The award presentation will take place during the ARF's upcoming AUDIENCExSCIENCE conference, slated for March 18, 2026, at People, Inc. in New York City.

The Erwin Ephron Demystification Award is a significant recognition of a professional's lifelong contributions to the field, specifically credited to those who excel in transforming intricate concepts into understandable, actionable insights. This honor serves as a testament to the individual’s exceptional intellect, leadership, and communication abilities. It is named after Erwin Ephron, a visionary regarded as the pioneer of media planning known for his critical theories, particularly the concept of “recency.” This award celebrates thought leaders who challenge traditional paradigms, effectively leverage analytics and technology, and cultivate communication strategies that resonate from research teams to corporate executives.

Howard Shimmel has an extensive background spanning over 45 years within media, research, and analytics, marked by a series of innovative contributions and achievements. Currently, he holds the position of President at Janus Strategy & Insights, a consultancy focused on guiding organizations with strategic insights. Shimmel is also a co-founder and heads strategy at datafuelX, specializing in optimization and forecasting for media businesses, agencies, and brands.

Previously, Shimmel was the Chief Research Officer at Turner Broadcasting, steering research across diverse sectors including multi-screen entertainment, news, children’s programming, sports, as well as spearheading corporate analysis and insight-led initiatives. His earlier tenure includes significant roles at Nielsen Media and Advertising Analytics, where he enhanced analytic capabilities aimed at advancing cross-platform measurements, media targeting, promotion effectiveness, and return on investment metrics.

In the words of Scott McDonald, President and CEO of ARF, “Howard Shimmel epitomizes the spirit of the Erwin Ephron Demystification Award. His relentless pursuit of challenging the status quo, along with his ability to translate emerging analytics into strategic advantages, showcases the elevated role of research within the C-suite. His enduring legacy reflects clarity, rigor, and visionary leadership.”

Founded in 1936, the Advertising Research Foundation celebrates its remarkable 90th anniversary this year. As a leading authority in unbiased advertising, media, and marketing research, ARF boasts a membership of over 400 companies. The organization is dedicated to advancing industry standards through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven insights. Events like AUDIENCExSCIENCE and initiatives such as the Great Mind Awards exemplify ARF's commitment to influencing the future of advertising and marketing research.

For further information about the Advertising Research Foundation, please visit www.thearf.org or engage with them on platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, X, or Facebook.