Karishma Brahmbhatt

Data and Technology Senior Associate, Allen & Overy

Karishma is a senior data and technology lawyer at Allen & Overy LLP, specialising in all aspects of data protection and privacy law. She has particular experience advising companies from a wide range of industries on data ethics matters, Artificial Intelligence, big data, social listening, cookies, profiling, adtech and IoT matters. She has written a number of articles on data privacy and digital issues, including on data ethics in a business environment and privacy in adtech, and is regularly invited to speak on key data-related developments. Karishma is Co-Chair of the SCL Privacy and Data Protection Group Committee and is named one of the ‘40 Under 40’ in Global Data Review’s 2021 rankings.

Philipp Raether

Group Chief Privacy Officer, Allianz

Dr. Philipp Raether is the Group Chief Data Protection Officer of Allianz. In this capacity he advises the Allianz group, including C level managers, on all privacy and data protection matters globally. Philipp and team are also in charge of designing and implementing a global privacy program. Previously, Philipp was an Executive Director and the Global Lead for Data Protection & Management of UBS based in its London office for eight years. Before joining UBS, Raether had worked for seven years with the law firm Freshfields specializing in IP/IT/Data Protection. He has studied law in Germany, Switzerland and the US, as well as been admitted as a German Rechtsanwalt and as a Solicitor in England and Wales. Philipp is also a Board Member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

David Smith

Former Deputy Commissioner of the ICO & Special Advisor, Allen & Overy

David retired from his role as Deputy Data Protection Commissioner in November 2015 and joined A&O as special adviser on data protection on 1 January 2016. David was instrumental in shaping the UK position on the General Data Protection Regulation. He was widely quoted giving the ICO view on regulatory developments – e.g. Safe harbour and the Google decision on the right to be forgotten. He also represented the ICO in the Article 29 Working Party of European Supervisory Authorities set up under the Data Protection Directive. The Article 29 Working Party is a highly influential group of national regulators across Europe who issue opinions on compliance. David was also involved at the highest level of the ICO’s enforcement regime. His wealth of experience and knowledge of data protection policy and enforcement bolsters Allen & Overy’s existing data protection team in London at a time of significant regulatory change and growing client demand for advice and support in this fast moving area. During his time as Deputy Commissioner, David saw first-hand how this area of law has evolved and the impact it can have on businesses and ordinary citizens.