The U.K. Information Commissioner's Office has announced that former European Data Protection Supervisor Peter Hustinx will join as a "non-executive director" of the agency. In a news release, the ICO said it "has strengthened its commitment to remaining an effective and influential international data protection regulator post-Brexit with [this] prestigious new appointment." 

Hustinx was the first ever EDPS and currently serves on the IAPP board of directors, as well as the Center for Democracy & Technology. His long career in privacy also includes a stint as president of the Dutch Data Protection Authority and chair of the EU's Article 29 Working Party, from 1996 to 2000. 

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said, "We are delighted that the ICO will benefit from Peter’s vast experience, expertise and international connections. He will be a real asset in helping us to continue to maintain and grow our global networks and influence." 

Hustinx won the IAPP Privacy Leadership Award in 2010, noting that, in a speech via video, "A capable and well-informed privacy profession is an essential building block of the privacy architecture of the future." 

IAPP President and CEO Trevor Hughes, CIPP, said, "Peter is one of the leading figures in the entire field of global privacy. The ICO will certainly be well served by his skills and experience." 

According to the ICO news release, Hustinx said, "In view of my long experience as a data protection regulator, both in the Netherlands and at the European level, I also hope to contribute to a close and productive co-operation with other colleagues, facing similar challenges and often sharing the same legal frameworks." 

When Hustinx was slated to end his second five-year term as EDPB in 2013, the IAPP's Angelique Carson, CIPP/US, reported on his legacy as a privacy regulator and thought leader. At the time, Hogan Lovells' Christopher Wolf said Hustinx "brings an incredible depth of knowledge and insight, but more importantly, a real diplomat's skill." 

Reflecting on the current ecosystem and in light of the appointment of Hustinx, Commissioner Denham said, "These are challenging times but the ICO and EU supervisory authorities will remain internationally connected and new working relationships will be essential to maintaining the flow of data in areas such as international transfers, mutual contribution to guidance development on topics of interest, and keeping pace with emerging threats and changing technology."