Chief Privacy Officer

About the Role

HG PARTNERS is looking for an experienced Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) to lead its data privacy, protection, and information governance initiatives. This executive-level position involves creating and sustaining a robust privacy framework while ensuring adherence to data protection laws and regulations. The role demands collaboration across senior management, legal, IT, security, compliance, and business units, fostering a company-wide culture committed to responsible data handling.

Primary Responsibilities

• Formulate and guide the organization's comprehensive privacy and data protection strategies.
• Develop and uphold detailed privacy policies, standards, procedures, and governance structures.
• Ensure full compliance with relevant data protection, privacy, and information governance laws and standards.
• Keep abreast of legislative changes and industry standards, analyzing their effects on company operations.
• Conduct privacy risk evaluations, data protection impact assessments, and compliance audits.
• Implement controls to identify, evaluate, reduce, and monitor risks linked to privacy.
• Offer strategic counsel to senior leadership regarding privacy, data protection, and ethical data use.
• Supervise data handling practices including collection, processing, storage, sharing, retention, and disposal from a privacy standpoint.
• Collaborate with Legal, IT, Cybersecurity, Compliance, HR, Marketing, Product, and Operations teams to integrate privacy principles into organizational processes.
• Champion privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default in the development of services, products, systems, and initiatives.
• Design procedures for responding to data breaches, privacy incidents, regulatory queries, and related events.
• Manage privacy incident investigations and coordinate remediation and notifications where necessary.
• Oversee evaluations of third-party and vendor privacy risks and enforce contractual privacy protections.
• Develop and deliver employee training programs to foster privacy awareness.
• Implement processes to efficiently handle data subject requests and privacy-related complaints or inquiries.
• Maintain thorough records and documentation evidencing privacy compliance.
• Engage with auditors, regulators, legal advisors, and other stakeholders on privacy concerns.
• Create metrics, dashboards, and reports to gauge privacy program effectiveness.
• Continuously refine privacy governance, processes, controls, and practices throughout the company.
• Promote a culture emphasizing privacy, accountability, transparency, and responsible data stewardship.
• Provide regular updates to the CEO, Board, and governance committees on privacy risks, strategic advice, and compliance status.

Candidate Requirements

• Proven track record in senior privacy leadership roles such as Chief Privacy Officer, Data Protection Officer, or similar positions.
• Deep expertise in privacy governance, data protection laws, regulatory compliance, and privacy risk management.
• Strong knowledge of relevant privacy legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in rolling out enterprise-wide privacy programs and governance systems.
• Understanding of data lifecycle, privacy controls, data governance, and information risk management.
• Proficient in conducting privacy impact assessments, risk analyses, compliance audits, and privacy reviews.
• Experienced in data breach response, incident management, and privacy remediation.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to collaborate with senior executives, board members, regulators, legal professionals, and cross-functional teams.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Privacy, Data Protection, Information Management, Cybersecurity, Business Administration, or related fields preferred.
• Advanced degrees, legal qualifications, or certifications such as CIPP, CIPM, CIPT are advantageous.
• Background in technology, financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, telecommunications, or other data-centric sectors is highly valued.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Lead the organization's comprehensive privacy and data protection initiatives at an executive level.
• Competitive remuneration with a full benefits package for senior leadership.
• Direct interaction with top executives, board governance, and strategic projects.
• Opportunity to establish and refine a mature privacy and data governance program.
• Exposure to advanced technologies including AI, digital transformation, and evolving privacy requirements.
• Career advancement opportunities toward roles such as Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Risk Officer, or Chief Legal Officer.
• Access to professional development, certifications, and leadership training.
• Supportive and ethical corporate culture focused on privacy and responsible data use.
• Chance to influence the company’s long-term approach to privacy, compliance, and regulatory readiness.