12 October 2018
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, has signed a Ministerial Decision to appoint four Non-Executive Directors to the board governing the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC). The appointments follow the recent recruitment of Information Commissioner, Jay Fedorak, and board Chair, Jacob Kohnstamm, and will provide a wealth of local and international regulatory expertise.
The board oversees the work of the OIC, which is responsible for regulating the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 and the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011. Its primary focus will be supporting the OIC to meet its expanded responsibilities under the new data protection legislation that came into force in May 2018. In doing so, it will help ensure that the Island retains its EU adequacy status and the free flow of data with the EU continues.
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit such a strong and well-balanced board for the Office of the Information Commissioner. The board combines local knowledge and experience with internationally recognised expertise, creating a distinguished team that will oversee the development of the OIC in partnership with its excellent executive leaders.
"Maintaining the free flow of data between Jersey and our partners in the UK and the EU is a key priority for the Council of Ministers. With these new appointments, I have faith that OIC has the right skills, experience and expertise to ensure that the Jersey maintains its EU adequacy and is able to respond appropriately to any challenges presented by Brexit.”
Jacob Kohnstamm, who chairs the board, said: “I am grateful and proud that these highly-qualified individuals are keen to join our team and help to guide the OIC in facing the challenges of Brexit and achieving EU adequacy.”
There is now a two-week notification period during which the States Assembly has the power to amend the decision.
The new appointments will be made official after this two-week period, and will start a three-year term of office on Monday, 29 October 2018.
The new appointments
Clarisse Girot – Clarisse has significant expertise and experience working in the field of data protection and privacy regulation in Europe and Asia. She was Assistant Commissioner with the French Data Protection Authority and has worked with jurisdictions such as Japan, China, and Singapore.
David Smith – David has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of data protection and freedom of information, having served as Deputy Information Commissioner with the UK Information Commission Office. He is currently working as a Special Advisor to one of the UK’s top five law firms, providing data protection and related regulatory advice.
Gailina Liew – Gailina is an independent board director, entrepreneur and lawyer. As a local candidate, she has a strong grasp of the local economy, particularly in the field of digital. She also leads the Jersey Policy Forum, as well as sitting on the Jersey Appointments Commission as Vice Chair and Commissioner.
John Harris – John is well-known and respected in the local financial sector, having recently retired after 12 years as Director General of the Jersey Financial Services Commission. He has extensive international experience and a multitude of skills in addition to his financial services knowledge, including people development skills and strategic awareness.
gov.je