A Practical Perspective of the GDPR: Main Challenges and Ongoing Compliance

	Bastiaan Bruyndonckx Partner and Head of Information and Communication Technology Lydian, Belgium Bastiaan specializes in all aspects of Information and Communication Technology law, with a particular focus on information governance, technology procurement and outsourcing contracts, electronic communications and e-commerce. Bastiaan advises companies in a broad range of industry sectors on data protection (privacy) matters. He has extensive experience in ICT-related transactions, including large software licensing, development and implementation projects. He advises both customers and suppliers on various types of outsourcing projects. He advises telecom-sector and other clients on electronic communications regulatory issues and has broad experience in drafting and negotiating agreements in the field of electronic communications. He assists clients on various e-commerce (B2B, B2C and C2C) and Internet projects as well as on long-term, technology-driven strategic agreements, including in the framework of M&A transactions. He has also solid experience in contentious matters. Expert in intellectual property, Bastiaan is well-placed to understand and deal with the complicated IP issues that may arise in the context of ICT projects and transactions. Bastiaan is a regular speaker at seminars and conferences on ICT matters. He regularly authors articles published in international legal reviews such as World Data Protection Report, DataGuidance, Computerrecht (Computer Law) and Privacy & Informatie (Privacy & Information). Bastiaan is a member of the Brussels bar.

	Hans Helwig Partner, Employment and Data Protection Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, Germany Hans G. Helwig is Partner, employment & Data Protection at Arnecke Sibeth, Berlin, Germany Hans' practice has always focused on employment and data protection. With respect to data protection he regularly advises enterprises on data compliance and the developing customized guidelines for the inter-company use of data as well as the implementation of data policies. In addition, the legitimate cross border exchange of data is a main field of Hans` work as his firm represents many international airlines which do not always save and process data in the EU. Naturally, the challenges the GDPR now brings to corporates has determined Hans´ work in data protection ever since it was adopted two years ago. Due to the requirements of the GDPR, especially with respect accountability and the immediate provision of information to the authorities in case of any breach of data security, Hans is developing an IT-tool with a leading IT-company, which is designed to support companies in the implementation of the inevitable changes and adaptations the GDPR will demand. Hans is a member of the Data Protection Group of Meritas, the global alliance of independent law firms.

	Robert Lands Partner, Head of IP and Commercial Howard Kennedy, UK Robert specialises in intellectual property and data protection. He has a particular focus on advising creative industries, retail businesses and the technology sector. Robert and his team advise on all aspects of data protection compliance including in relation to privacy policies and practices, the use of personal data for marketing and e-commerce and international transfers of personal data. Robert Chairs the Intellectual Property Section of Meritas, the global alliance of independent law firms.

	Bartosz Marcinkowski Partner, Corporate M&A and Data Privacy Domanski Zakrzewski Palinka (DZP), Poland Bartosz is a specialist in data privacy, including implementation of national and transnational data privacy systems. He advises many leading Polish and foreign companies on comprehensive implementation of complex data privacy solutions. He has authored publications and lectured at many conferences and seminars about legal aspects of data privacy and data transfer outside the European Economic Area, including to the USA and India. He represents clients in disputes over data privacy before the Polish Data Protection Authority, voivodship administrative courts and the Supreme Administrative Court. He also carries on academic research on data privacy. He has authored publications and lectured at many conferences and seminars in Poland and abroad on data privacy.

	Benjamin Mourot Partner, IP/IT and Data Protection Bignon Lebray, France Benjamin Mourot is Head of the IT/IP & Data Protection Group at Bignon Lebray in France. Benjamin advises French and international companies and public sector clients on all aspects of personal data protection and privacy. He has special expertise in the fields of labour data compliance and international data transfers. Benjamin also assists his clients with their relationships with the French data protection agency (CNIL) and national security agency (ANSSI). Benjamin also regularly assists with matters relating to the protection and defence of intellectual property rights for French companies, including infringement actions and seizures. Benjamin is a lecturer at the Catholic University of Lille School of Law, and is a regular contributor to online papers and legal papers.

	Carlos Pérez Partner and Head of Information Technology and Compliance ECIJA, Spain Carlos Pérez has a professional background of more than 20 years advising leading Spanish and International companies, on matters related to information technology, telecommunication, intellectual property, privacy law and compliance regulations. Carlos Pérez has developed great part of his career in Landwell – PwC Tax & Legal Services, where he joined in 1998. In PwC he has been partner and Head of the Information Technology Department of the firm in Spain. Carlos Perez has obtained an LLB in Law from University of Barcelona, MBA from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and associated professor at the same School in its Intellectual Property and Information Society Masters; also he has the International CISA Certification, as qualified information technology systems’ auditor by the ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association). Carlos Pérez has a deep and wide experience in all type of matters related to information technology and telecommunication law, advising to top level public and private organizations on data protection, intellectual property, telecommunications, IT outsourcing, Internet, social networks, e-commerce and online marketing issues. Additionally he has advised to one the first Spanish banks on the drafting of its Binding Corporate Rules regarding its international data transfers across the multinational group structure. He advises to national and international clients, from all sectors of the economy, in Spanish, Catalan and English languages.

	Helen Selby General Counsel and Company Secretary Hovis Ltd Helen Selby is General Counsel and Company Secretary for Hovis Limited, she is a member of the Executive Committee reporting to the CEO and sits on the Board in her capacity as Company Secretary. Prior to this Helen was General Counsel and Compliance Officer (EMEA) for Assa Abloy, a Swedish based and listed company manufacturing door entrance solutions and before that she was Senior Legal Counsel at Premier Foods plc. Law is a second career for Helen, who served as an Officer in the Royal Air Force for around 7 years, serving both in the UK and overseas, including Hong Kong and the USA. Helen has an MBA from Cranfield University and won Legal Week's Legal Counsel of Year in 2011.