Simon McDougall is the Chief Strategist for Privacy and AI at ZoomInfo, where he leads the company’s strategy on privacy and artificial intelligence, advising both the company and its clients on regulatory compliance, risk management, and government relations. He was previously ZoomInfo’s Chief Compliance Officer.

Simon brings over 20 years of experience in privacy law and data governance, having worked with clients across the UK, Europe, the US, and Asia. Prior to joining ZoomInfo, he served as Deputy Commissioner at the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent authority for information rights. During his time at the ICO, Simon played a leading role in shaping the ICO’s response to emerging technologies such as AI and adtech, as well as leading innovation policy. He is a Senior Adviser to Bristows, a UK law firm, and an International Fellow at Yale’s Digital Ethics Center.

Simon is a thought leader in privacy and AI governance, contributing to industry discussions and advising on best practices for managing AI risks in compliance with data protection law and regulation.

Some of Simon’s work highlights include:

• Acting as Chief Strategist for Privacy and AI at ZoomInfo, advising on global regulatory compliance and risk management for AI technologies, and previously serving as their Chief Compliance Officer. Built their Compliance, Policy and Risk Management functions and initiated their Responsible AI Program.
• Establishing the Technology, Innovation and AI functions at the ICO, and leading for them in the establishment of the Digital Regulation Cooperation Oorum.
• Leading the ICO’s response to data use during the COVID-19 pandemic, including managing issues related to AI and data ethics.
• Consulting for leading technology companies across Europe, the US, and Asia on privacy governance and regulatory compliance at Promontory, an IBM company, and Deloitte.

Simon’s additional expertise includes:

• Privacy regulation in the context of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Government and regulatory relations
• Enterprise and Operational risk management in data governance
• AI ethics and responsible AI practices
• Cybersecurity and adtech policy

Simon is a Chartered Accountant at ICAEW he is also an International Fellow of Yale Digital Ethics Center, and a Board Member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.