Sourcing A Group Data Protection Officer for FTSE100 Energy Group

Opportunity

We were appointed as an exclusive partner by this FTSE100 business to assist in the recruitment of their new Group Data Protection Officer, following a recommendation by the Group CISO. This was a senior role leading the Group function with oversight responsibility for data protection across the operating companies within the Group, in the UK and overseas, spanning many jurisdictions.

Approach

We worked closely with the client to understand the Group function’s structure, remit and the General Counsel’s overall objectives for data protection across the Group and any specific issues that the business needed to address. This enabled us to probe the profile that was being sought and consider the market conditions and drivers for such candidates. A target list of sectors and client companies was agreed and a timescale, stages and stakeholders for the process so that a clear plan of progression was available to monitor the progress of the assignment. We then commenced our search using a confidential multi-channel; approach to ensure that a wide range of candidates were identified for consideration so that we could support the business’ senior management diversity agenda.

Outcome

A long list of ten candidates was discussed with the client and a shortlist of 6 senior DPO’s was agreed. An interview schedule was also agreed along with various psychometric and behavioural assessments. The 5 candidates were assessed over a 5-week period involving 4 rounds of interviews. A preferred candidate was selected and following another 2 rounds of meetings an offer was extended, negotiated and agreed and the successful candidate commenced in the Group Data Protection Officer role within 6 months of the original briefing.