The Jersey Data Protection Authority (JDPA) has appointed its new Chair, Elizabeth Denham CBE, for a four-year term, commencing on 28th October 2024.
Elizabeth (pictured) brings significant experience gained over an exceptional career in data protection both in the UK and Canada, notably as the Commissioner of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia and later as the UK Information Commissioner.
The appointment comes after current Chair Jacob Kohnstamm comes to the end of his term of office after six years.
During her time as Information Commissioner for the UK, Elizabeth oversaw the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act (2018). Elizabeth is committed to making digital technologies and data work for the benefit of society and has demonstrated a focus on the essential role data protection can play in innovation.
As Information Commissioner for the UK, Elizabeth presided over significant changes within the Commission transforming them as a fit-for-purpose digital regulator, hiring and leading experts and specialists to ensure the UK ICO kept pace with rapidly changing technology. In recognition of her work, Elizabeth was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s 2019 Honours list for protecting the data of UK citizens.
Jacob said: “I am immensely thankful and proud to have led the Jersey Data Protection Authority for the past six years and have great reassurance in handing the reigns to Elizabeth, an esteemed data protection professional of the highest calibre. I am leaving the Authority and future of data protection and privacy in Jersey in the safest of hands for its onward journey and look forward to my handover to Elizabeth in the presence of international counterparts and colleagues as we host the 46th Global Privacy Assembly in Jersey this October.”
Presently Elizabeth is an International Advisor to Baker McKenzie’s Data and Tech practice, Chief Strategist of the Information Accountability Foundation and serves on the Board of 5Rights, a non-profit advocating for children’s privacy and safety online. Elizabeth has served as a voting member of the Jersey Data Protection Authority since May 2023.
Elizabeth said: “I look forward to deepening my involvement with Jersey as well as collaborating with fellow authority members and staff at the Information Commissioner’s Office. Small jurisdictions like Jersey have advantages in the digital era; they are nimble, are close to the citizens, and have a clear view onto the effects that follow from developments in technology and laws. My work will be guided by international trends alongside foundational principles such as transparency, accountability and fairness.”
The Chair of the Jersey Data Protection Authority is a Ministerial Appointment, with the recruitment process overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission. Jersey’s Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Deputy Kirsten Morel, presented the appointment to the States Assembly on 12th July 2024.
