About Dr. Paul Farrow

Dr. Paul Farrow is a multifaceted professional whose career spans neuroscience, digital advertising, and privacy innovation. With a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol, he has contributed to groundbreaking research on synaptic transmission while leading privacy innovation in the digital advertising industry.

Currently serving as Principal Product Manager at Microsoft Advertising and board member at both IAB Europe and Prebid.org, Dr. Farrow bridges the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and practical technology solutions that protect user privacy while enabling effective digital advertising.

10+ Years Research Experience
5+ Years Privacy Leadership
2 Major Publications

Skills & Expertise

Scientific Research

  • Neuroscience
  • Synaptic Transmission
  • AMPA Receptors
  • Biochemical Analysis
  • Scientific Writing

Privacy & Technology

  • Privacy Product Strategy
  • Digital Advertising
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Privacy-Enhancing Tech
  • Trusted Execution

Leadership & Strategy

  • Product Management
  • Board Governance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Public Speaking

Technical

  • Data Analysis
  • Statistical Modeling
  • API Development
  • Privacy Frameworks
  • Ad Tech Platforms

Professional Experience

IAB Europe

Board Member July 2024 - Present

Serving on the board of Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe, helping shape the future of digital advertising standards and privacy frameworks across European markets. Contributing expertise in privacy technology and regulatory compliance.

Industry Leadership European Standards Privacy Compliance

Prebid.org

Board Member Sep 2024 - Present

Providing strategic oversight on open-source initiatives in digital advertising. Leading guidance on privacy-enhancing technologies and shaping industry standards for programmatic advertising.

Open Source Privacy Strategy Board Governance

Microsoft Advertising

Principal Product Manager Sep 2023 - Present

Leading Privacy Product for Microsoft Ads, directing strategies that integrate cutting-edge methods like k-anonymity and differential privacy. Ensuring robust protection of user data while preparing the business for a post-cookie future.

Privacy Technology Product Strategy Differential Privacy

Microsoft Advertising

Senior Product Manager Jun 2022 - Sep 2023

Excelled in analytics and negotiation, laying a solid foundation for leadership in privacy-driven product innovation. Developed frameworks for privacy-preserving advertising solutions.

Analytics Product Innovation Privacy Frameworks

Xandr

Senior Product Manager (London, Mar 2022 - Jun 2022, 4 months)

At Xandr, he contributed to high-impact product initiatives, employing data analytics and strategic negotiation to support the evolution of digital advertising technologies.

Product Manager (Hamburg, Apr 2021 - Mar 2022, 1 year)

In this capacity, Dr. Farrow combined analytical insights with effective product planning to drive innovation and strengthen the company’s market positioning.

AppNexus

Manager, Solutions Consulting (Hamburg Area, Sep 2018 - Apr 2021, 2 years 8 months)

At AppNexus, he bridged complex technical challenges with client needs, offering strategic consulting and transferring his expertise to enhance advertising solutions.

Evotec

Senior Research Scientist (Hamburg Area, Aug 2017 - May 2018, 10 months)

Leading a dynamic team, Dr. Farrow managed ion channel-related projects.

Ipsen Bioinnovation

Scientist (Sep 2015 - Aug 2017, 2 years)

At Ipsen, he established and ran a research laboratory, engaging in challenging biochemical experiments that expanded the frontiers of scientific discovery.

University College London (UCL)

Postdoctoral Researcher (London, Sep 2014 - Sep 2015, 1 year 1 month)

At UCL, his research focused on elucidating the mechanisms of synaptic function, deepening the scientific community’s understanding of neural communication.

Career Timeline

Continuing Leadership

Current roles: IAB Europe & Prebid.org Board Member, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft

IAB Europe & Prebid.org Board Member

Joined boards of two major industry organizations

Principal Product Manager

Promoted to lead privacy strategy at Microsoft Advertising

Transition to Ad Tech

Joined AppNexus as Solutions Consulting Manager

Principal Scientist at Ipsen

Established and led pharmaceutical research laboratory

Postdoctoral Research

Advanced neuroscience research at DZNE and UCL

PhD in Neuroscience

University of Bristol - Synaptic transmission research

Publications & Media

Synaptic Modulation by CKAMP Proteins

Neuron • 2014 • Research Article

Groundbreaking research exploring how CKAMP proteins regulate AMPA receptor activity, contributing to our understanding of synaptic transmission mechanisms.

View Publication
  • Regulation of AMPA Receptors in Neural Communication

    Detailed study featured in eLife (2015) discussing mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity.

  • Privacy in a Post-Cookie World

    A blog post outlining Microsoft’s innovative approach to privacy-enhancing technologies and emerging advertising standards.

  • Innovations in Digital Advertising Privacy

    A collection of articles and presentations discussing advanced techniques such as trusted execution and differential privacy.

  • Ad Personalization Remains Key Goal Amid Privacy Worries

    In an interview for Beet.TV, Dr. Farrow discusses how Microsoft Advertising is maintaining personalization while upholding user privacy.

    Watch the full interview and read more details on Beet.TV.

  • Privacy Leadership

    Leveraging his technical expertise, Dr. Farrow is a recognized authority in digital privacy. At Microsoft, he directs the privacy product strategy while ensuring all products comply with global regulations. He also contributes to the ad-tech community as a board member of Prebid.org.

    Get In Touch

    I'm always interested in discussing privacy innovation, neuroscience research, or potential collaborations in the digital advertising space.

    References & Sources