About the IAPP

I hold the position of Privacy & Group Data Protection officer for VFS Global Ltd. where I provide leadership for the organization’s privacy function. VFS Global is a business to government organisation that provides travel visa outsourcing facilities for 64 client governments across 146 countries. I manage a team of three privacy professionals who are geographically dispersed across Spain, India and the UAE. I have created a privacy program with the senior leadership team that positioned VFS Global as “Best in Class” by incorporating company strategy, values and business objectives in to the privacy program while aligning with regulatory requirements. In collaboration with the senior leadership team, I have developed strategic plans that embed data privacy in the core of business activities so that data privacy & data protection has become a business enabler and a brand differentiator in commercial bids.

During my varied career I have held positions in the UK military, the defense industry, air traffic control, training, retail sector, private banking, pharmaceuticals, and latterly in government outsourcing.

I hold the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) awards as a Certified Information Privacy Professional /Europe, (CIPP/E), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) & Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)

During my leisure time I enjoy sailing on Lake Geneva close to where I live in Switzerland. I find sailing not only relaxing but also rewarding as working with a crew develops a great team spirit and sense of achievement when racing or coping with challenging weather conditions.