Data Protection Officer Recruitment Project
Background
Our client, a FTSE 250 beverages business, sought to strengthen its governance framework by appointing a dedicated Group Data Protection Officer. As a vertically integrated drinks manufacturer and distributor serving over 34,000 hospitality sector customers across the UK and Ireland, the company needed someone to oversee its data protection strategy and compliance across multiple business units.
The role would report directly to the Company Secretary, with responsibility for developing and implementing the group’s data privacy strategy, policies and processes. The position would be based in Glasgow as part of the expansion of the company’s legal and compliance function.
Challenge
Three key challenges emerged in this search:
Firstly, the role required a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen. The successful candidate needed deep knowledge of data protection legislation, including GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, and the commercial awareness to implement practical solutions across a complex, multi-jurisdictional business.
Secondly, the DPO position demanded someone who could effectively influence stakeholders across all business units and departments, from HR and IT to Sales and Marketing, while working in a hybrid environment between Glasgow and other UK locations.
Thirdly, we needed to identify candidates who could potentially grow into the formal Group DPO role, whether they came from a legal or compliance background, as the company was open to both professional career paths.
Solution
After consulting with key stakeholders, we developed a dual-track search strategy targeting both qualified lawyers with data protection expertise and non-lawyer compliance professionals with strong GDPR experience, particularly from regulated industries.
We conducted a focused search within the financial services sector, where data protection expertise is particularly strong. This approach proved successful when we identified a Data Protection Officer from a major UK bank who possessed both the technical knowledge and stakeholder management skills required.
The appointee brought extensive experience in implementing data protection frameworks across large organisations, along with a track record of delivering practical training programmes and managing complex international data transfers. Their background in financial services meant they were well-versed in working within a regulated environment and managing relationships with supervisory authorities.
This DPO appointment has enabled the client to enhance its data protection governance while supporting its continued growth across the UK and Ireland.
