Kurt Donnell is the CEO of Freestar, a company dedicated to optimizing site monetization for publishers, retailers, and app developers. Under his leadership, Freestar has seen significant growth, expanding its team and revenue while maintaining a strong commitment to customer service and innovative ad tech solutions. Donnell's journey from law to business has been marked by a focus on maximizing revenue and fostering a positive company culture.
Who is the CEO of Freestar?
Before becoming the CEO of Freestar, Kurt Donnell had a diverse career that began in law. He transitioned from being a corporate lawyer to a business executive, bringing a unique perspective to his leadership role. Joining Freestar in January 2019, Donnell has been instrumental in scaling the company from 25 employees to over 200, and significantly increasing its revenue. His focus on customer service, scalable systems, and core strengths has driven Freestar's growth and innovation in the ad tech industry.
Under his leadership, the company has expanded its services to include in-app monetization, video products, and email newsletters, solidifying its position as a leader in maximizing ad revenue for publishers, e-commerce sites, and app developers.
Work History
Here is a detailed look at Kurt Donnell's work history:
- Freestar - President and CEO (2019 to Present)
- YogaWorks, Inc. - Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and General Counsel (2017 to 2019)
- SheKnows Media - Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and General Counsel (2012 to 2017)
- Ballard Spahr LLP - Attorney (2010 to 2012)
- JONES DAY® - Attorney (2008 to 2010)
- Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP - Attorney (2006 to 2008)
- Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP - Summer Associate (2005)
- Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP - Summer Associate (2004)
Education History
Kurt Donnell's educational journey is marked by a strong foundation in law and accountancy. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he studied from January 2003 to January 2006. Prior to that, Donnell completed both his Master of Science (M.S.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Accountancy at Miami University. He obtained his M.S. in Accountancy between January 2002 and January 2003, following his B.S. in Accountancy, which he pursued from January 1999 to January 2002. This robust educational background has equipped him with a diverse skill set that has been instrumental in his professional success.
When did Kurt Donnell join Freestar?
Joining Freestar at the beginning of 2019, Kurt Donnell has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and innovation. He became the President and CEO on January 1, 2019, and has since led the company through significant expansions and advancements in ad tech solutions. As of mid-2023, Donnell has been with Freestar for over four years, during which he has overseen the scaling of the team and the enhancement of the company's service offerings. His leadership continues to shape Freestar's trajectory in the competitive ad tech industry.