CPM Rising Star: Maximilian Smirnov

Maximilian Smirnov, CPMStar’s Director of Ad Operations, describes a typical day in his life working remotely from Berlin, Germany.

CPM Rising Stars is a series about the employees working behind the scenes at CPMStar and what they do day to day within their roles.

Can you introduce yourself and describe your role at CPMStar?

I’m Maximilian Smirnov, and I work as the Director of Ad Operations at CPMStar. My role primarily involves overseeing the execution, optimization, and performance of advertising campaigns. I work closely with internal teams and clients to ensure that campaigns run smoothly, meet performance goals, and continuously improve through data-driven insights.

What does a typical day look like for you at CPMStar? Walk us through your daily responsibilities.

A typical day starts with reviewing campaign performance metrics and identifying any areas that need adjustments. I often have meetings with account managers, advertisers, and different internal teams to discuss ongoing campaigns, troubleshoot issues, and strategize on optimizations. A big part of my work is technical setups/updates of campaigns,  analyzing data, tweaking campaign parameters, and staying updated on industry trends to keep our strategies ahead of the curve. Since I work remotely, I make sure to structure my day efficiently, balancing deep focus work with collaboration.

How did you end up working at CPMStar? What inspired you to join the team?

I’ve always been fascinated by digital advertising and how technology can be leveraged to drive performance. I started my career at CPMStar, where I completed my training and developed a deep understanding of ad operations from the ground up. I’ve always been fascinated by digital advertising, and being part of the industry from the very beginning allowed me to gain hands-on experience and grow alongside the company.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that outside of work, I’m passionate about bodybuilding and motorcycles. Bodybuilding has taught me discipline, consistency and strategic thinking, which also helps me in my professional life when it comes to problem-solving and optimizing campaigns. Riding motorcycles is my way of disconnecting and enjoying the freedom of the open road. Both hobbies balance out my analytical work and keep me motivated.

What has been your most exciting or rewarding project at CPMStar so far?

One of the most exciting projects was launching a large-scale programmatic and brand awareness campaign for a global gaming brand. It involved complex targeting strategies, real-time adjustments, and working closely with multiple teams. Seeing the campaign exceed performance expectations and contribute to the client’s success was incredibly rewarding!

What are some common challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges in my role is time management. There is always something to do, whether it’s managing international client expectations, optimizing campaigns or ensuring that we meet performance KPIs. With different time zones and fast-moving campaigns, prioritization is key. I tackle this by structuring my day efficiently, setting clear goals and making use of automation where it makes sense while keeping a hands-on approach where human expertise is essential.

Another challenge is finding the right balance between automation and manual optimization. While technology helps streamline processes, experience and strategic thinking are crucial for interpreting data and making the right adjustments. I stay actively engaged in analyzing campaign data, regularly exploring new tools and strategies to enhance efficiency while ensuring that performance remains under control.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from your colleagues that’s made a big impact on your work?

Collaboration is key. I’ve learned that even in a highly data-driven field, teamwork and communication make a huge difference. Whether it’s sharing insights, brainstorming strategies, or troubleshooting an issue together, working closely with others always leads to better outcomes.

What advice would you give someone looking to pursue a similar career?

Be curious and never stop learning. Ad operations is a fast-moving industry where technology and best practices constantly evolve. Having a strong analytical mindset, staying up to date with industry trends, and gaining hands-on experience with different ad platforms will help you build a solid foundation. Also, don’t underestimate the value of networking. Connecting with others in the industry can open doors to new opportunities and insights.