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Global Strategy Advisor, Centre for Information Policy Leadership
Privacy and Information Management Practice
London
+44 (0) 20 7220 5601 Phone
+44 (0) 20 7220 5772 Fax
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| Practices |
Privacy &
Information
Management
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Richard Thomas is a Global Strategy Advisor to the Centre for Information Policy Leadership at Hunton & Williams LLP, a pathfinding global privacy and information security think tank. Mr. Thomas brings nearly 40 years of experience working across the private and public sectors.
He was formerly the Information Commissioner for the United Kingdom from November 2002 until his retirement at the end of June 2009, where he was appointed by HM Queen and held independent status, reporting directly to Parliament. At the Information Commissioner’s Office ("ICO"), Mr. Thomas had a range of responsibilities including issues under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 1998 and related laws. The functions of the ICO include promoting good practice, ruling on complaints and taking enforcement action.
In 2008, he was awarded "Privacy Leader of the Year" by IAPP and was voted 3rd in Silicon.com's global "IT Agenda Setters" poll.
Relevant Experience 
- Former Information Commissioner for the UK, 2002 - 2009
- Director of Consumer Affairs, Office of Fair Trading, 1986 - 1992
- Legal Officer & Head of Public Affairs, National Consumer Council, 1979 - 1986
Appointments
- Chairman, Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council, 2009 - present
- Member, EU Article 29 Data Protection Working Party, 2002 - 2009
- Board Member, International Association of Privacy Professionals, 2009 - present
- Co-Chair, Data Sharing Review, 2007 - 2008
- Deputy Chairman, Consumers Association / Which?, 2009 - present
- Trustee/Board Member, Whitehall and Industry Group, 2008 - present
Background
- Clifford Chance, Director of Public Policy, 1992 - 2002
- Trainee & Assistant Solicitor, Freshfields, 1971 - 1974
Awards and Professional Recognition
- Listed in the London Times "Law 100" list of the 100 most influential British lawyers, 2008 and 2009
- Honour of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for public service, 2009
- Awarded "Privacy Leader of the Year" by IAPP, 2008
- Voted 3rd in Silicon.com's global "IT Agenda Setters" poll, 2008
- Frequently featured in general and specialist media
- Regular keynote conference speaker
Education - Visiting Professor, Northumbria University, 2008
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws, University of Southampton, 2007
- Cabinet Office, Top Management Programme, 1987
- The College of Law, Guildford, 1971
- LL.B (Hons) (Upper Second), University of Southampton, 1970
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Richard Thomas CBE LLD
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