Avast Appoints Shane McNamee as Chief Privacy Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Avast has appointed Shane McNamee as its new Chief Privacy Officer, effective immediately. McNamee, with over seven years in data protection, previously worked with the Irish Department of Finance and Data Protection Commission. His role will focus on enhancing Avast's privacy strategy, particularly in implementing GDPR compliance and promoting a privacy-centric approach to new technologies. Kelby Barton, General Counsel at Avast, emphasized McNamee's importance in navigating the complexities of data protection in the tech industry as the company expands its privacy product range.

Positive

• Shane McNamee brings over seven years of data protection experience to the role.
• The appointment aims to strengthen Avast's privacy-by-design strategy.
• McNamee's experience with GDPR implementation is expected to enhance compliance efforts.
• Expansion of privacy products aligns with increasing consumer demand for ethical data management.

Negative

• Concerns about continuity and experience gaps in leadership during the transition.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. and LONDON, Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Avast (LSE:AVST), a global leader in digital security and privacy products, has announced the appointment of Shane McNamee as Chief Privacy Officer. McNamee will oversee Avast's global privacy strategy and drive the company's privacy-by-design strategy.

McNamee has over seven years' experience focusing on data protection and digital rights in a number of high profile organizations, and most recently the Irish Department of Finance and the Data Protection Commission of Ireland. He has published works on policy, research and public awareness and is a regular speaker on a range of complex topics including digital rights, fintech, software licensing, genetic research, and evolving and interconnected data protection regimes.

The experience McNamee brings will further embed a privacy-by-design culture within Avast and will promote a resilient, and transparent data protection strategy across the business, its policies, products and services. In the last two and a half years, he has been working on implementing and operationalizing the GDPR, including through significant awareness raising and the production of guidance on data protection rights, and will draw on this experience to further shape Avast's privacy strategy.

Of his appointment, McNamee said, "I'm delighted to join Avast and to bring my insights from the regulatory and academic perspective to the table. I am particularly interested in the challenges and opportunities posed by innovative technologies, and look forward to promoting a privacy-centric approach at Avast to emerging and developing technologies such as online security, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things."

Kelby Barton, General Counsel at Avast, said, "Shane is a legal and policy professional whose experience is focused on regulatory approaches to data protection, consumer protection, and digital rights. Given the increasing complexity of the role of data in the technology industry, Shane is an important addition to our team as we pursue a resilient, transparent approach to data protection for our digital customers. We are expanding our range of privacy products and are committed to ensuring ethical data standards across our business."

About Avast:

Avast (LSE:AVST), a FTSE 100 company, is a global leader in digital security and privacy products. With over 435 million users online, Avast offers products under the Avast and AVG brands that protect people from threats on the internet and the evolving IoT threat landscape. The company's threat detection network is among the most advanced in the world, using machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to detect and stop threats in real time. Avast digital security products for Mobile, PC or Mac are top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Visit: www.avast.com.

Media contact:
pr@avast.com 

 

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SOURCE Avast

FAQ

Who is Shane McNamee and what is his role at Avast?

Shane McNamee is the newly appointed Chief Privacy Officer at Avast, responsible for overseeing the company's global privacy strategy.

When did Avast appoint Shane McNamee as Chief Privacy Officer?

Shane McNamee was appointed as Chief Privacy Officer of Avast on October 14, 2020.

What expertise does Shane McNamee bring to Avast?

McNamee has over seven years of experience in data protection, having worked with the Irish Department of Finance and the Data Protection Commission.

How will Shane McNamee impact Avast's privacy strategy?

His appointment is expected to enhance Avast's privacy-by-design culture and improve compliance with data protection regulations.

What is Avast's approach to data protection?

Avast emphasizes a resilient and transparent data protection strategy, expanding its range of privacy products to meet consumer demands.