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Location:  London Approximately 7-10 days p/a Salary:  £5,250 p/a plus reasonable expenses Closing Date: 1 st December 2022 The Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) is the body which oversees and enforces the Data & Marketing Association (DMA)’s Code.  The Code and DMC are there to give effective protection to recipients, users and practitioners of the data driven marketing sector. It aims to ensure companies observe the highest standards of integrity and trade fairly with their customers and with each other.  This is achieved by investigating complaints and identifying trends in data driven marketing that might raise issues for consumers and the sector. The DMA are looking to appoint a new Independent Commissioner as the current incumbent’s term is due to expire.  The term would be for three years, renewable once.  Historically the DMC has adjudicated against complaints about DMA members only but it is now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioners’ Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code of Conduct. The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.   The Independent Commissioner will need to have experience in a senior strategic role within regulation or governance, and to have a broad understanding of regulatory principles, process and practice.  As a key player in the ongoing development of the new DMC as a Monitoring Body, the Independent Commissioner will need to show demonstrable experience of strategy development, strategic planning, risk and high-performance management, with the ability to scrutinise and monitor at a senior level. It would be desirable for the candidate to have experience in or have the ability to interrogate annual budgets and the ongoing financial management of the DMC. Duties The Independent Commissioner will be expected to attend a minimum of four meetings a year held at the DMA’s offices, attend adjudications, and review and process case and other paperwork relating to these meetings as well as assist in the ongoing development of the new DMC. The Independent Commissioner will also be expected to represent the DMC at DMA meetings and other events and meetings as required. Qualities Sound judgement and analytical skills Ability to digest and make good sense of complex cases Able to scrutinise and monitor at a senior level Ability to understand the legal context in which an adjudication is required Ability to work and debate effectively To adjudicate, acting objectively For a full Job Description and how to apply please email dm@dmcommission.com .

Stephen Almond, Executive Director, Regulatory Risk, who leads the ICO’s team responsible for anticipating, understanding and shaping the impacts of emerging technology and innovation on people and society. “Last November we wrote to 53 of the UK’s top 100 websites, warning that they faced enforcement action if they did not make changes to advertising cookies to comply with data protection law. We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to our call to action. Of the 53 organisations we contacted, 38 organisations have changed their cookies banners to be compliant and four have committed to reach compliance within the next month. Several others are working to develop alternative solutions, including contextual advertising and subscription models. We will provide further clarity on how these models can be implemented in compliance with data protection law in the next month. We expect all websites using advertising cookies or similar technologies to give people a fair choice over whether they consent to the use of such technologies. Where organisations continue to ignore the law, they can expect to face the consequences. We will not stop with the top 100 websites. We are already preparing to write to the next 100 – and the 100 after that. To accelerate our efforts we are developing an AI solution to help identify websites using non-compliant cookie banners. We’ll run a ‘hackathon’ event early in 2024 to explore what this AI solution might look like in practice. Our advice to all organisations is to take action now to become compliant. We can already see the ripple effect of our intervention with many organisations making changes to cookie banners without receiving a letter from us. And as we’ll be steadily working our way through the list of websites offering services to UK users to give them all the same message, it makes sense to be compliant before the regulator comes knocking.”

The campaign for charities’ email soft opt-in: an update from the House of Lords On 16 December, the Lords Grand Committee debated an amendment proposed by the DMA on behalf of charities. The amendment, introduced by Lord Clement-Jones and supported by Baroness Dido Harding and Lord Guy Black, aims to extend the email ‘soft opt-in’ to charitable fundraising communications. Making the case for the amendment The Committee Stage of the legislative process allows for amendments to be introduced, debated, and examined in detail. It’s an opportunity to test the Government’s position and encourage revisions to the Bill before it reaches Report Stage and, eventually, Third Reading. Should the Government not incorporate widely supported changes, amendments can be re-tabled at Third Reading and potentially put to a vote. Lord Clement-Jones presented the case clearly:“This amendment would enable charities to communicate with donors in the same way that businesses have been able to communicate with customers since 2003. The clause will help to facilitate greater fundraising and support the important work that charities do for society.” He went on to reference a joint letter, coordinated by the DMA and signed by nearly 20 major charities, sent to Secretary of State Peter Kyle on 25 November. The letter emphasised the potential impact of the extension:“The DMA estimates that extending the soft opt-in to charities would increase annual donations in the UK by £290 million, based on analysis of 13.1 million donors by the Salocin Group.” Baroness Harding also expressed support for the amendment, with further endorsement from Lord Camrose, who leads the Conservative opposition to the Data Protection and Digital Information (No.2) Bill. He stressed the importance of reducing barriers to fundraising communications, noting that “many charities rely on donations from the public.” Government response and ongoing assessment Responding for the Government, Baroness Jones offered a measured reply:“We are listening carefully to arguments for change in this area and will consider the points raised, but I ask that the amendment be withdrawn while we consider its potential impact further. We are happy to have further discussions on that.” The DMA can confirm that the Government, with input from officials at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is currently conducting an impact assessment of this proposed extension, supported by the DMA and Wood for the Trees. Some small pushback At the close of the debate, Baroness Stowell, a former Chair of the Charity Commission, sounded a more cautious note:“People have an expectation of charities that differs from what they would expect by way of marketing from businesses. In considering this amendment, therefore, I urge the Minister to think carefully before deciding what action the Government should take.” Al DMA members would agree that successful fundraising requires great care and specific skills, but that is true of marketing to any specific category of product or service from financial services, to automotive to grocery to healthcare: in each product or service category customers have specific needs, concerns, preferences, passions that determine the approach marketers should take within a category. Looking ahead The DMA’s campaign to secure this soft opt-in for charities will continue discreetly over the coming weeks and into January. We remain cautiously optimistic that the Government will include an appropriate amendment at Report Stage. This is a crucial phase, given the composition of the Lords: Conservative: 273 Labour: 187 Crossbench: 184 Liberal Democrat: 78 Non-affiliated: 43 Bishops: 25 Others: 14 Lord Speaker: 1 The DMA will continue to build coalitions, collaborate with departmental officials, and provide further updates as the situation unfolds.

On 19th November, Peers in the House of Lords held the Second Reading of the Data (Use & Access) Bill. This stage is an opportunity for Peers to highlight issues they think should be considered going forward. The next stage at committee will review and propose substantive amendments to the Bill. You can see the full timeline for the Bill’s passing  here . Below is a summary of the key points relevant to the Data and Marketing Industry and on which the DMA has been working with UK government ministers, Peers, and industry to develop. Key points from Data (Use and Access) Bill Debate – House of Lords, 19 November 2024 GDPR Codes of Conduct •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Highlighted provisions in the Bill encouraging the development of GDPR-compliant codes of conduct for specific industries, facilitating clearer compliance pathways for SMEs. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clauses 82-83. •  Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd (CB) • Stressed the importance of ensuring that codes of conduct are robustly monitored and enforced, with penalties for breaches. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 93. Accountability Framework in GDPR •  Lord Stevenson of Balmacara (Lab) • Argued that the Bill should strengthen the accountability framework in GDPR by mandating regular audits for data processors and controllers handling high-risk data. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 90. •  Baroness Kidron (CB) • Criticized the perceived softening of accountability measures, particularly for organizations relying on automated decision-making. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 80. Exemptions to Consent for Cookies •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Supported simplified rules for cookie consent, particularly for low-risk use cases like service improvement, to reduce unnecessary user friction. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Chapter 2, Clause 111. •  Viscount Colville of Culross (CB) • Warned that exemptions to consent for cookies must be narrowly defined to avoid abuses by ad-tech companies, especially in targeted marketing. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Chapter 2, Clause 111. Definition of Direct Marketing •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Highlighted updates to the definition of direct marketing to ensure it encompasses modern advertising practices, including targeted digital ads and AI-driven personalization. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Chapter 2, Clause 108. •  Lord Vaux of Harrowden (CB) • Called for additional clarity on the scope of “direct marketing,” particularly where it overlaps with legitimate interest clauses in GDPR. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 70, and Chapter 2, Clause 108. Data Privacy Protections (general) •  Baroness Kidron (CB) • Criticized the weakening of privacy protections for vulnerable groups, including children. • Emphasized risks posed by automated decision-making to individual privacy rights. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 80, and Schedule 6. •  Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Con) • Cautioned about the reliability of digital verification services and their implications for data privacy if improperly governed. • Related Bill Sections: Part 2, Clauses 27-44. Charities and the ‘Soft Opt-In’ •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Supported the introduction of “soft opt-in” provisions for charities, enabling them to contact existing supporters more efficiently while maintaining clear opt-out mechanisms. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Chapter 2, Clause 108. Data Economy •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Highlighted the £10 billion economic boost anticipated over a decade through enhanced data-sharing frameworks. • Related Bill Sections: Part 1, Clauses 1-13. •  Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd (CB) • Raised concerns about balancing economic benefits with regulatory burdens on SMEs. • Related Bill Sections: Part 1, Clause 11. Artificial Intelligence (AI) •  Baroness Kidron (CB) • Expressed concerns about AI-driven data use, particularly scraping and algorithmic bias, and advocated for stronger protections against misuse. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clauses 80, 84. •  Lord Bethell (Con) • Urged immediate measures to address AI-generated harmful content and improve safeguards for personal data used in AI systems. • Related Bill Sections: Part 7, Clause 123. Consumer Protection •  Lord Markham (Con) • Stressed the need for simplified frameworks to protect consumers without overburdening businesses. • Related Bill Sections: Part 1, Clauses 2-4. ICO Modernisation and Restructuring •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Supported modernizing the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) into a more proactive entity with expanded enforcement powers. • Related Bill Sections: Part 6, Clauses 115-118. •  Lord Stevenson of Balmacara (Lab) • Called for enhanced ICO powers to address emerging challenges in AI and international data transfers. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 95. EU Data Adequacy •  Lord Vaux of Harrowden (CB) • Sought reassurances on the impact of the Bill on the UK’s EU data adequacy status. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clause 84. •  Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Lab) • Reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining alignment with EU standards to avoid disruption in data flows. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clauses 66, 84. Scientific Research and Technology Development •  Baroness Kidron (CB) • Welcomed the improved researcher access provisions but expressed concerns about insufficient safeguards for secondary use of sensitive data. • Highlighted risks of exploitation of NHS data for non-research purposes, urging the government to establish clear boundaries between scientific research and commercial interests. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clauses 67-69, and Clause 85. •  Lord Bethell (Con) • Emphasized the critical role of data in advancing health technology, urging clear guidelines on anonymization and secure sharing for legitimate research purposes. • Related Bill Sections: Part 5, Clauses 68-69.

Rachel Aldighieri will lead the growth of the UK’s leading trade association for data-driven marketing as the UK enters a new era of its digital evolution, with outgoing CEO Chris Combemale assuming role of public affairs director to support the UK’s legislative agenda 3rd December 2024  – The new CEO of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA UK) has today reaffirmed her commitment to championing growth, effectiveness and trust across the marketing industry, as she sets out her vision to support the evolution of more ethical, diverse, creative, and innovative organisations through data-driven marketing. Rachel Aldighieri, who has held the role of Managing Director at the DMA for nearly a decade, will take over from current CEO Chris Combemale, who will assume the role of public affairs director after more than 15 years at the helm, on 1st January 2025. As the UK enters a new era of its digital evolution, AI, technology and data are at the heart of the government’s agenda for growth. Meanwhile, legislative and ethical frameworks continue to evolve at rapid speed, and the marketing industry’s role in driving business growth is under the spotlight like never before. In response, Aldighieri says the DMA has a key role to play in professionalising the industry, helping both private and public sector organisations tackle digital transformation and navigate the challenges that come with a constantly changing world. “In times of regulatory change, the importance of trade bodies cannot be understated,” commented Aldighieri. “As the voice of the data and marketing industry, run by the industry for the industry, we are committed to championing growth, effectiveness and trust across the sector, and setting high standards to give marketers a strategic voice in the boardroom. As CEO, I will continue to build on the DMA’s empowerment agenda through our proven approach to measurement, upskilling, and customer-first principles to ensure the DMA makes a recognisable difference to marketers by amplifying their voice across industry.” Uniquely customer-centric, data-focused, and well-equipped to navigate industry challenges, the DMA is the UK’s leading marketing trade body focused on championing the customer. Its trusted role and broad industry influence is underpinned by its commitment to shaping the future of marketing and data usage through the DMA Code, which promotes one-to-one marketing as a true exchange of value between businesses and their customers through five clear principles. Champions of ‘marketing for good’, spurred on by the belief that marketing can drive a difference to not just businesses but society as a whole, the DMA is customer-first in the way that it educates businesses on how to prioritise their customers while setting standards to enable marketers to do so through the responsible and innovative use of data in marketing. Its Skills Bootcamps and the development of core measurement frameworks help to unlock and maximise opportunities for everyone using data in marketing, while its work to showcase the value of creativity drives home the the benefits that come from marketers embracing brand activity and rejecting short-termism. To celebrate this, the DMA’s annual UK Awards programme is known across the industry for recognising creativity, data, strategy and results-driven work. “We are proud of the diverse and vibrant community we have built, and want to continue on this strong trajectory,” continued Aldighieri. “As CEO, I see a clear opportunity for the DMA to have an even broader and more positive impact on the economy and wider society by empowering our members, championing data and emerging technologies in a responsible way, and prioritising talent through driving diversity, equity and inclusion.” Assuming the role of the DMA’s public affairs director, Chris Combemale said: “ As the UK continues the process of its digital evolution, I am delighted to continue to represent the industry in legislative and regulatory affairs in my new role. I remain passionately committed to ensuring the Data (Use and Access) Bill successfully completes its legislative passage and will continue to fight hard to secure amendments that are essential to charities and data providers in our community Shaping the industry’s approach to responsible marketing and influencing the legislative framework during fifteen years of dramatic transformation has been at the heart of my tenure. The dramatic transformation of customer engagement in the digital era has coincided with macro level challenges such as the financial crisis, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, which our industry has navigated successfully.” Chair of the DMA UK, Tony Miller, added: “On behalf of the DMA, I would like to congratulate Rachel on her richly deserved appointment as CEO and put on record my sincere thanks to Chris for his 15 years of service in the role. I look forward to continuing to work closely with both Rachel and Chris as we embrace this next chapter in the DMA’s exciting growth journey.”

Data & Marketing Commission announces new Independent Commissioner Kate Staples has been named as the new Independent Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the  DMA Code .  Led by the Chief Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioners’ Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code. The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.   The team of Commissioners work to ensure responsible marketing and ethical marketing practices are maintained. Amerdeep Somal said:   “I am delighted to welcome Kate to the DMC and the wealth of experience she will bring to the Commission will be of huge importance and benefit at this pivotal stage in our evolution, as we become an independent monitoring body.” DMC’s new Independent Commissioner   Kate Staples, an experienced NED and former General Counsel and Secretary to the Civil Aviation Authority, who is due to start her tenure on 1 st March 2023 said: “I am very pleased to be joining Amerdeep and the team at the DMC. It’s an exciting time for the DMC and DMA and I look forward to making a valuable contribution.” For further information contact: Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

Emma Martins has been named as the new Chief Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the independent body that oversees and enforces the Data & Marketing ( DMA) Code . Led by the Chief Commissioner, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by DMA members. The team of commissioners work to ensure responsible and ethical marketing practices are maintained. Commenting on her appointment, Emma Martins, the new Chief Commissioner of the DMC said: “Over the past 25 years, I have been a strong advocate of ethical data handling, transparency and accountability, so I am delighted to represent an organisation which embodies these values.  I am honoured to lead the DMC into the next stage of its evolution where we continue to work towards becoming an ICO accredited monitoring body, tasked with upholding a GDPR Code of Conduct, which, when approved, will offer more direction to the industry on best practice and resources to support consumer complaints. Ultimately, we are all striving to improve trust in the industry and build a better experience for the customer.” Emma Martins is an experienced data protection and governance professional, having worked in the regulatory environment for over 25 years. She has been the Data Protection Commissioner at the Office of Data Protection Authority, Bailiwick of Guernsey since 2018. Prior to that, she was Information Commissioner for the Channel Islands between 2012–2018. She was the Data Protection Commissioner of Jersey between 2005–2012. This appointment comes as Amerdeep Somal steps down as Chief Commissioner after four years with the DMC. The DMC Board put on record their appreciation of  Amerdeep Somal’s achievements, saying “ We are incredibly grateful for Amerdeep’s dedication, hard work, and guidance throughout a challenging period for our industry and the UK. It is testament to her expertise and leadership qualities that the DMC has gone from strength to strength. The Board is delighted  to welcome Emma Martins as the new Chief Commissioner. Her vast knowledge and experience as a data protection commissioner will be invaluable to the DMC as its remit and responsibilities continue to grow.”

Steve Wood has been named as the new Independent Appeals Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the  DMA Code .  When the DMC concludes that a member is in breach of the DMA Code, a member can appeal against the ruling, or any sanctions imposed.  The Independent Appeals Commissioner will be expected to consider an appeal when lodged by a member company of the DMA or in future by a signatory organisation to the GDPR Code or by a complainant which has had complaints upheld by the DMC. Steve, whose tenure will commence on 1 st January 2023, is an Independent consultant, researcher & writer who has his own company, PrivacyX Consulting and was former Deputy Commissioner at the Information Commissioner’s Office.  He will be replacing the DMC’s long-standing Appeals Commissioner, John Bridgeman CBE TD DL who is retiring this year. Led by the Chief Commissioner, Ms Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioner’s Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code. The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.   Amerdeep Somal stated,  “I am delighted to welcome Steve Wood as the new Independent Appeals Commissioner. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable in his crucial role as the independent Appeal function against decisions made by the DMC. I also sincerely thank John Bridgeman CBE TD DL for his many years of service as the first Independent Appeals Commissioner and I am grateful for his wonderful work legacy.” For further information contact: Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

Richard Thompson has been named as the new Independent Complaints Assessor of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the  DMA Code .  The Independent Complaints Assessor can consider complaints about the standard of service provided by the DMC.  This covers the practical handling of a case – but not disagreements about its outcome.  There is a separate service for appealing case rulings and sanctions. Richard is an Executive Director responsible for leading strategic approach and operational delivery of high-volume casework, quality assurance and customer excellence.  He is an accredited commercial mediator with 25 years’ experience in regulation, complaint handling and dispute resolution.  His tenure will commence on 1 st January 2023. Led by the Chief Commissioner, Amerdeep Somal, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA).  It is also now in the process of becoming a Monitoring Body for the Information Commissioner’s Office following approval of an industry GDPR Code. The DMC also has a further extended remit in support of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) with complaints by consumers in relation to data and in particular Legitimate Interest and related matters.   Amerdeep Somal stated,  “I am delighted to welcome Richard Thompson as the first Independent Complaints Assessor to the DMC. He will bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and challenge to the DMC.” For further information contact: Suzi Higman, DMC – suzi.higman@dmcommission.com

On 16 September 2020, we said goodbye to Matti Alderson, former Chair of the  Direct Marketing Authority  (before she launched the  Direct Marketing Commission ) and former Director General of the  Advertising Standards Authority  (ASA), but we have not lost her legacy, described as  “an unrelenting focus on making sure that all UK ads are legal, decent, honest, and truthful.” A passionate advocate of self-regulation, Matti was a committed leader of the UK ad watchdog, which has credited her as a “driving force” in raising its profile. In 1974, Matti joined the  ASA  as a case officer and became Director General in 1990, spending ten years in the role, in which she particularly focussed on regulating tobacco advertising. During her tenure, Matti also helped co-found the  European Advertising Standards Alliance  (EASA), the organisation that coordinates advertising work of self-regulatory bodies across Europe. She became Vice Chair in 1997, the same year Matti joined other industry figures at the European Parliament to give a powerful presentation on the portrayal of women in advertising. When Matti left the  ASA  in 2000, its annual report praised her contributions. She went on to become Managing Director of  FireHorses , which providedadvice on regulatory policy and strategy to clients in the public and private sectors, and lead the  Direct Marketing Authority  (now the  Direct Marketing Commission ). She expanded the  DMC ’s role and influence, developed the responsibilities of its directorate, and strengthened relationships with the industry and consumers. Charles Ping, former DMA Chairman and currently Industry Commissioner on the  DMC , said: “I was lucky enough to work with Matti as DMA Chair when she started her tenure at the  DMC . Matti arrived at the  Direct Marketing Commission  with a fully rounded understanding of how a regulator works, and what makes the difference between a regulatory environment that supports good business and one that doesn’t. Her view was robust, questioning and always centred in a fair view of how regulation should work. From her time at the  ASA,  she instinctively understood that clarity and consistency were key, as well as the ability to clearly articulate the logic behind decisions. It was a challenge within a regulator who had a remit to regulate the code of a body, not an all-encompassing industry wide endeavour, and this made for an interesting journey over the years. Matti’s commitment to the  DMC  was clear and she will be remembered by me, and those with whom she worked, as a professional committed to improving the standards of industry through better regulation.” The  obituary from  The Times  stated that Martha (Matti) Hallyburton Connolly was born on 20 December 1951 in Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, the daughter of Edward, a captain in the Merchant Navy, and Helen, a nurse. She lived in London with her husband Alan Alderson, IT Director for  the Bauer Media Group . “The couple did not have children, but welcomed young people into their home every year from the former Soviet regions affected by the Chernobyl disaster. They never formally adopted but supported one Belarusian boy from the age of 11 through school and university. He later changed his name to Alex Alderson and called the couple mum and dad.” Matti died peacefully of undisclosed causes at the age of 68. The DMA and DMC expresses their deepest condolences to Matti’s family, and the many colleagues and friends she left behind within the ad industry and beyond.

Amerdeep Somal confirmed as new Chief Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission 07 May 2020 – Amerdeep Somal has been named as the new Chief Commissioner of the Data & Marketing Commission (DMC) – the industry body that oversees and enforces the DMA Code . Led by the Chief Commissioner, the DMC investigates and adjudicates on reported breaches of the DMA Code by members of the Data & Marketing Association (DMA). The team of commissioners work to ensure responsible marketing and ethical marketing practices are maintained. “I am honoured to be appointed as the new Chief Commissioner. Over the past 25 years, I have remained committed to serving organisations where independence, public interest and trust are placed front and centre of all practices,” said Amerdeep Somal, Chief Commissioner of the DMC . “Responsible marketing, transparency and ethics are key drivers for building consumer trust in the data and marketing industry – the DMC will continue to promote and enforce these values across the DMA’s membership. I am privileged to lead the DMC into the next stage of its evolution.” Somal brings 25 years’ senior executive and non-executive experience to the position, previously operating within a series of high-profile stakeholder roles across a variety of sectors. Previous roles include founding Commissioner and Board Member at the Independent Police Complaints Commission. She is presently Independent Assessor of the Financial Ombudsman Service, She will also continue to hold her positions as a Judge at the Ministry of Justice UK, Council Member of the General Medical Council and Board Trustee at Refuge. Somal’s appointment comes as George Kidd comes to the end of his term, after 12 years with the DMC – first as an independent member of the DMC Board and then selected as Chief Commissioner in 2010. “I’d like to personally thank George for his leadership, expertise and commitment to the DMC throughout his long tenure. He has been a truly remarkable ambassador to our industry,” added Stephen Maher, Chair of the Data & Marketing Association Board . “I am also delighted to welcome Amerdeep as the new Chief Commissioner. Her wealth of experience and invaluable knowledge of regulatory and judiciary practices will help drive the DMC forward into a new era.”