Speakers - Data opportunities in Ireland
All speakers listed alphabetically
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Garrett Blaney
Commissioner, Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), Ireland
Garrett Blaney joined the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) as Commissioner on 7 January 2019 and Chairperson from then until January 2022. He is the ComReg representative for the Digital Regulators Group.
Garrett was previously a member of the Commission at the Commission for Regulation of Utilities since February 2010 and Chairperson from February 2014 to February 2017. In 2017, he was elected the Chair of the ACER Board of Regulators (Agency for the Co-operation of Energy Regulators) and also the President of the Council of the European Energy Regulators (CEER).
Prior to becoming a Regulator Garrett had over 20 years of experience working in the energy industry. He was previously Strategic Development Director for Viridian Power and Energy, Commercial Director for Huntstown Power, Ireland’s first independent power producer, and Asian regional director for ESB International.
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Amy Brick
Partner, Litigation, McCann FitzGerald, Ireland
Amy is an experienced litigator with particular expertise in contentious matters with a regulatory, public law or economic aspect, having acted for a number of regulators across different sectors in cases concerning challenges to regulatory decisions, supervisory and enforcement actions and investigations.
Amy also acts for international and domestic clients in a range of contentious data protection and privacy matters, particularly those arising under the GDPR.
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Kate Colleary
Director, Pembroke Privacy, Ireland
Kate Colleary is Founder and Director of Pembroke Privacy, a leading data protection consultancy based in Ireland and the UK. She is highly regarded worldwide as a data protection expert. Kate is honoured to represent the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) as its Country Leader in Ireland and has recently been awarded the prestigious Westin Emeritus Fellow title, which recognises world leaders in data protection and privacy. She has been awarded ‘Best in Data Protection’ by the Global 100 which recognises the world’s leading firms and individuals who are leaders within their chosen areas of specialisation. She has also recently been awarded the “Fellow of Information Privacy” (FIP) qualification by the IAPP which is reserved for seasoned professionals in the privacy world. Kate is a qualified Solicitor and a Certified Information Privacy Professional and has extensive experience assisting and advising businesses to navigate the complexities of data protection, privacy and AI laws.
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Richard Cumbley
Partner, Linklaters, UK & Ireland
Richard advises multinationals and governments on complex information management and data privacy issues. He has worked on data related projects across the globe, including major data security incidents, large-scale privacy litigation, appearances before regulators, contentious and large-scale subject access issues, online monitoring techniques, government access programs, data localisation and “big data”.
Richard also counsels clients on the implications of new technology such as 3D printing, blockchain technology, interactive TV and IOT.
In addition, Richard advises on complex technology contracts, including large scale outsourcing, cloud services, technology development and related services contracts in both contentious and non-contentious environments.
Based in London and Dublin, Richard has advised on IT, data protection, information governance and outsourcing deals in more than half of the firm’s offices around the world. He also works closely with the firm’s leading Corporate lawyers on technology and separation issues associated with corporate transactions. He is ranked by both Legal 500 and Chambers as in the first tier of UK privacy and data lawyers.
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Ronan Davy
Associate General Counsel, Anthropic, Ireland
Ronan is a senior legal, privacy, regulatory and compliance executive with 20 years of in-house technology and private practice experience. Ronan currently serves as Associate General Counsel at Anthropic. As Anthropic’s first hire in the EU, he has been instrumental in supporting the company’s recent expansion into Europe, setting up its main establishment in Dublin, developing its privacy program, and advising on EU regulatory considerations. Prior to working at Anthropic, Ronan spent nine years at Etsy where he had a number of roles including Deputy General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Data Protection Officer. He also spent several years working in two of Ireland’s leading commercial law firms prior to joining the technology industry.
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Diletta De Cicco
Legal Officer, Litigation and International Affairs, European Data Protection Board
Diletta is a legal officer at the EDPB, where she mainly deals with international matters and AI related topics. Prior to joining the EDPB, she worked as a lawyer in international law firms, focusing on data protection, AI and cybersecurity. Diletta is also currently associated with the Information Society Law Center of the University of Milan.
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Jennifer Dolan
Deputy Commissioner, Data Protection Commission, Ireland
Jennifer Dolan was appointed as Deputy Commissioner, Head of Inter-Regulatory Affairs at the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) in August 2024. In this role, she leads on the DPC’s engagement with EU and national co-regulators in the digital regulatory landscape. Jennifer previously served as Assistant Commissioner for Children’s Policy at the DPC for over six years, leading on children’s policy matters at a national and EU level, while also working across the DPC’s Legal and Supervision units. Jennifer carries this policy role forward, and represents the DPC on a regular basis at expert sub-group meetings of the European Data Protection Board ("EDPB").
Jennifer holds a BA (Hons) and an MA from Dublin City University, as well as an MA from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth.
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David Fennelly
Barrister and Assistant Professor of Law, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
David is a senior counsel at the Bar of Ireland. He specialises in public law and European law, with particular expertise in data protection law. He has appeared in many leading data protection cases before the Irish courts and the Court of Justice of the European Union. He is also an assistant professor in the School of Law, Trinity College Dublin.
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Adam Finlay
Partner, McCann FitzGerald, Ireland
Adam is the head of the firm’s Technology and Innovation Group and advises on a wide range of data protection, information technology, intellectual property, cyber security and outsourcing issues. His clients include international and domestic market leaders, innovative disruptors and regulatory bodies.
He acts as trusted advisor to clients on all aspects of data protection and e-privacy law and compliance strategies, with a particular focus on providing sector specific and commercial advice.
On the technology side, Adam drafts and negotiates outsourcing agreements software licences, IT services agreements and transitional services agreements and advises on the legal issues attached to digital transformation projects, transacting online and dealing with consumers. He leads teams advising on some of the largest and most complex outsourcing projects in Ireland. He also advises on navigating existing and upcoming legal requirements laws in relation to new and emerging technologies.
Adam has particular expertise in the commercialisation of intellectual property. His work in this area includes drafting and negotiating assignments, licensing, collaboration, technology transfer, franchising, distribution, agency, sponsorship and naming rights agreements and advising on brand protection strategy, advertising and product placement. He is also a registered trade mark agent.
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Richard Greene
DPO & Director EMEA Privacy Counsel, Autodesk, Ireland
Richard Greene is the Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Director, EMEA Privacy Counsel at Autodesk. With a robust background in privacy law and data protection, Richard plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with data protection regulations across the EMEA region. He is responsible for overseeing the implementation of privacy policies, conducting data protection impact assessments, and providing strategic counsel on privacy-related matters.
Richard is a qualified barrister, bringing a wealth of legal expertise to his role. He has a proven track record of successfully navigating the intricacies of data protection laws and regulations. Richard has extensive experience in the area of EU data transfers, and implemented the pursuit of Autodesk’s Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) . His work includes addressing the impact of the EU’s Data Strategy on international data transfers.
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Dr Des Hogan
Commissioner for Data Protection, Data Protection Commission, Ireland
Des Hogan was appointed as Commissioner for Data Protection and Chairperson of the Irish Data Protection Commission in February 2024. Prior to that he was Assistant Chief State Solicitor in the Office of the Chief State Solicitor in the period 2015-2024. He served as Acting Chief Executive in the Irish Human Rights Commission in 2007 and from 2012 to 2014. He previously worked for the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and for Amnesty International in Australia and its International Secretariat in London. A solicitor by profession, Dr Hogan was awarded a Masters in European Law from University College Dublin and a PhD in Philosophy of Law from Trinity College Dublin.
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Stephen Laffan
Global Data Protection Officer, Workday, Ireland
A seasoned data protection and privacy leader with extensive experience in both regulatory enforcement and corporate compliance. Proven ability to build and lead international privacy programs, culminating in serving as Global DPO at Workday.
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Paul Lavery
Partner, McCann FitzGerald, Ireland
Paul is a partner in the Technology and Innovation Group and advises on a wide range of information technology, data protection, intellectual property, confidentiality and freedom of information issues.
Paul drafts and negotiates cutting-edge technology supply and implementation agreements and IT outsourcing agreements with a key focus on mobilisation, business transformation and key performance elements as well as exit management.
Paul is a leading expert on data protection and advises a large number of private sector entities and public bodies on their data protection obligations under existing and prospective data protection law, including advising on subject access requests, data security incidents, marketing obligations and consents, record retention matters, data protection notices, policies and privacy statements, data controller and data processor registrations as well as solutions to facilitate the transfer of data outside the EEA.
Paul is heavily involved in advising a number of private sector and public sector clients on their obligations under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including carrying out data protection assessments and audits and completing data inventories in order to advise clients on what changes to processing activities, data protection notices and agreements etc to ensure compliance with GDPR.
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Douglas McMahon
Partner, McCann, FitzGerald, Ireland
Doug is a partner in the Technology and Innovation Group and advises on a wide range of matters including information technology, intellectual property, data protection, cyber security, confidentiality and freedom of information.
Doug has particular expertise in relation to the implementation of the GDPR in private and public sector organisations. He also has significant experience advising in relation to data protection breaches and data security incidents, from initial investigation and reporting to resolution.
Doug advises a wide range of clients in connection with complex commercial agreements, with a particular specialism in relation to agreements involving information technology and large scale outsourcing projects.
Doug lectures and provides workshops for clients and industry organisations on a number of topics, including obligations under the GDPR. He is also a trainer on PDP’s certificate course in data protection compliance.
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Emma Redmond
Associate General Counsel, Head of EU Privacy and Data Protection, OpenAI, Ireland
Emma Redmond is Associate General Counsel, Head of Privacy and Data Protection at OpenAI, where she leads the company’s global privacy strategy. She also serves as Head of OpenAI Ireland, overseeing operations in Ireland.
Previously, Emma was Global Head of Privacy and Chief Privacy Officer at Stripe, leading privacy programmes at scale in one of the world’s most influential fintech companies. She also held pivotal roles as Head of International Data Protection at both Ancestry and LinkedIn, navigating complex cross-border data challenges in highly regulated industries.
Beyond her industry leadership, Emma is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law at University College Dublin and was selected for the prestigious Leadership in Law programme at Harvard Law School (2017). She is also a member of the Government of Ireland’s AI Advisory Council, contributing to national AI policy and governance.
Emma was recognized among the 100 Top Tech People in Ireland.
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Cathal Ryan
Deputy Commissioner, Data Protection Commission, Ireland
Cathal Ryan was appointed Deputy Commissioner, with responsibility for Consultation and Supervision in January 2023. He is a qualified lawyer specialising in regulatory and data protection law.
Cathal has worked in a number of regulatory senior management and legal roles with Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Chief States Solicitor’s Office, the Legal Aid Board and the DPC (as an Assistant Commissioner between 2015 and 2020). He is a key contributor at a national and an EU level on behalf of the DPC and was the lead rapporteur for EU Codes of Conduct guidelines.
In his current role, he has responsibility for the following: -
Síona Ryan
Director of Digital and Data Regulation, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Ireland
Síona Ryan is the newly appointed Director of Digital and Data Regulation at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission having headed up the Policy, Research and International Division previously. She is also a current Member of the Legal Service Regulatory Authority and the European Data Innovation Board. Síona has extensive public policy experience operating across Irish, European and international institutions. She has been instrumental in the development of public policy and evolving legislation in Ireland including in the areas of Competition Law, Company Law and Intellectual Property Law. Síona holds both an MA in International Relations and an MA in Law.
The CCPC will have new functions under the EU Data Governance Act and EU Data Act as well as online marketplaces for the Digital Services Act and Síona will oversee the CCPC’s delivery of these functions.
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Mary Travers
Data Protection Officer and and Head of Privacy, Vodafone, Ireland
Mary Travers is the Data Protection Officer for Vodafone Ireland, and leads the team responsible for ensuring compliance with the GDPR and related laws. Mary’s team operationalises and executes a comprehensive Privacy Management Framework, which includes supporting commercial colleagues to bring products and services to market in a compliant way, providing second line assurance over privacy controls across Vodafone’s functions, and ensuring the effective and compliant management of third parties. Mary works as part of a global team of privacy professionals within Vodafone, who are responsible for compliance across our global footprint.
Mary has a 20+ year career working in the telecommunications industry in roles spanning the areas of Data Protection, Risk Management, Fraud Management and Investigations, Business Resilience, Crisis Management, and Information Security. Mary holds a BA (Hons) in Law, and LL.M in Commercial Law, and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional.
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Patrick Van Eecke
Partner, Cooley
Prof. dr. Patrick Van Eecke (partner at Cooley & full professor at Faculty of Law, University of Antwerp)
Patrick Van Eecke leads Cooley's European cyber/data/privacy practice and serves as vice chair of its global cyber/data/privacy practice. With over 25 years of experience, he provides expert guidance on complex issues related to data protection, AI, cybersecurity, consumer protection, advertising, and electronic signatures. Patrick advises startups, scaleups, and multinational corporations across various industry sectors, including technology, life sciences, financial services, communications, entertainment, retail, and consumer-facing companies. He possesses extensive experience representing telecommunications firms, internet service providers, software developers, governments, and companies utilizing IT-related services. Patrick is actively involved in numerous consulting projects for the European Commission, national governments, and multinational corporations worldwide. Recognized as an Acritas Star™ Lawyer, Patrick is highly recommended by Chambers and Legal 500 as a top-tier data protection expert.
Additionally, he is a full professor specializing in European Information Technology and Communications Law at the University of Antwerp's law faculty. He is the author of diverse legal articles and books on data protection issues, ecommerce, computer crime, electronic signatures, electronic contracting. Patrick is a regular speaker at national and international conferences and often asked to comment on internet and cyber law related issues in the press, including Financial Times, Time Magazine and Wall Street Journal.
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Stewart Dresner
Chief Executive, Privacy Laws & Business
Stewart graduated from the University of Lancaster in Politics and Marketing. In 1975 Stewart initiated research on Open Government at the UK Consumers’ Association. He then made an independent trip to the USA and Canada, meeting consumer advocates, politicians and journalists researching Freedom of Information (FoI) and privacy legislation. He had articles published in The Geographical Magazine, in 1977 on the use of the FoI Act by the Navajo Tribe of Arizona, and The Times in 1978 on the use of the FoI Act to improve car safety. In May 1980, the Outer Circle Policy Unit published his Open Government: Lessons from America. His career included consumer research and working for The Economist as a business journalist where he wrote occasionally on privacy laws and honed his skills as an investigator and writer.
He launched the Privacy Laws & Business Newsletter in February 1987. In October 1988 he organised PL&B’s first international conference. Stewart co-founded and chaired the UK’s Data Protection Forum, and has spoken at conferences around the world. He lives and works in Pinner, has a beautiful wife, who wrote this, and 3 adult sons.
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Laura Linkomies
Editor, Privacy Laws & Business
Laura oversees the whole editorial process of PL&B Reports from researching, commissioning and managing freelancers to writing about a wide range of legislative and management issues within privacy, data protection and freedom of information.