Shaundra Watson joins Centre for Information Policy Leadership as Senior Director
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 01, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Shaundra Watson, a seasoned privacy and data policy expert, has joined the Centre for Information Policy Leadership (CIPL) as its Senior Director of Data, AI, and Privacy Policy. Watson brings a wealth of experience in AI, privacy, data security, consumer protection, and technology policy to the Washington, D.C.-based organization.
Watson's career spans both the public and private sectors. Most recently, she served as Senior Director, Policy at the Business Software Alliance (BSA), where she led global AI policy work for AI developers, cloud providers, and cybersecurity companies. Prior to BSA, Watson held high-impact roles at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), including as an Attorney-Advisor to two Commissioners and in the Office of International Affairs. At the FTC, she spearheaded initiatives such as negotiating and implementing international data transfer frameworks.
Before her time at the FTC, Watson worked for over a decade as a Senior Counsel, Privacy and Information Security, at a Fortune 500 global entertainment company. In this role, she advised on the implementation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as global privacy compliance strategies. She also served as a law firm associate, handling international trade and intellectual property matters.
Watson is recognized for her contributions to the global AI and privacy policy community. Her recent work has focused on responsible AI innovation and data governance, including issues of AI accountability, transparency, Agentic AI, AI standards, AI governance, and the intersection of privacy and emerging technologies. She has also engaged in notable dialogues with U.S. and international policymakers.
Bojana Bellamy, CIPL President, expressed excitement about Watson's addition to the team. "Shaundra brings a unique combination of deep expertise in privacy, data, AI, and cyber policy from industry, regulatory, and policy perspectives," Bellamy said. "She is perfectly positioned to drive CIPL’s mission of building bridges between different stakeholders and helping them look around the corners on all matters of digital policy, law, and implementation."
Lisa Sotto, chair of Hunton Andrews Kurth’s global privacy and cybersecurity practice, echoed this sentiment. "Shaundra brings exceptional experience across AI, privacy, cybersecurity, and technology policy, as well as a strong understanding of how policy development and practical implementation intersect," Sotto said. "Her background spanning government and industry global policy work will be invaluable as CIPL continues to help shape thoughtful, workable approaches to data and AI governance."
Watson's expertise will further strengthen CIPL's work at a time of rapid change in AI and data policy. "Shaundra is a terrific addition to CIPL and we are delighted to welcome her to the team," Sotto added.
CIPL, a global data and privacy policy think tank, consists of 70+ member companies that are leaders in key sectors of the global economy. The organization's mission is to engage in thought leadership and develop best practices for the responsible and beneficial use of data in the modern information age.