Experienced regulator John Curran has been named Chairman of Guernsey’s Data Protection Authority, where he is already serving as a member of the Board.
John brings a wealth of regulatory and public service experience to the role. He is currently Chairman of the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authorities (GCRA) and Chairman of the Guernsey Employment Trust (LBG). He has previously served as CEO of the GCRA and served as a non-voting member on the States of Guernsey Transport Licensing Authority (TLA).
“We are delighted to welcome John as Chairman of the Authority,” said Commissioner Brent Homan.
“He brings extensive experience of working within regulatory frameworks, alongside a strong track record in interpreting and applying complex legislation. He also has a long-standing commitment to public service in the island, which will be invaluable in this role.”
John succeeds Richard Thomas CBE, who has stepped down as Chairman for family reasons, but will remain on the board as a member for the time being.
“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude, on behalf of the Authority and the ODPA, to Richard,” said Commissioner Homan. “A former UK Information Commissioner, Richard has established himself as a leader in the global data protection community. Appointed Chairman in 2018, Richard’s experience and knowledge has been instrumental in advancing data protection in the Bailiwick. I have greatly valued his insight, wisdom and generosity with his time.”
The Data Protection Authority (“the Authority”) is an independent body established under the Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017, responsible for developing and implementing the regulatory framework that underpins the Law’s requirements.
Comprising a Chair and seven other members, including the Commissioner (as a non-voting member), the Authority provides governance to the Office of the Data Protection Authority.