Susan Fletcher, chief privacy officer at data integrity specialist Precisely, is a technology leader who is committed to building programmes that drive trust and innovation.
Susan comes with almost two decades of experience as a lawyer, practicing in both the UK and US, and a career spanning across entertainment, education, financial services, retail banking, media, advertising, and software sectors. Susan’s experience across sectors has shaped her approach to privacy, compliance, and leadership, equipping her to drive strategic, measurable privacy programmes across evolving regulatory, digital, and AI-driven environments.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
The privacy profession has evolved into a multidisciplinary field that blends law, technology, strategy, and ethics. Within modern organisations, privacy is no longer confined to the legal team. It is a shared responsibility across the organisation. Today, the chief privacy officer, privacy counsels, compliance professionals, and privacy engineers work together to ensure safeguards are embedded directly into technology from the outset, rather than added later.
My interest in privacy began early. At university, I wrote my dissertation on the “Invasion of Privacy by the Media”, which sparked a lasting curiosity about how law responds to technological change and how organisations can use data responsibly.
I see privacy in one simple way: it is fundamentally about trust. In a digital society, the organisations that endure are the ones that intentionally build that trust into the technologies they create. That principle has guided every stage of my career.
I have almost two decades of experience as a lawyer, practicing in both the UK and US, and a career spanning across entertainment, education, financial services, retail banking, media, advertising, and software sectors, which has shaped my approach to privacy, compliance, and leadership. Today, I work in the software sector at Precisely. Under my leadership, we achieved ISO 27701 certification and elevated our privacy programme to a NIST Tier 4 rating across almost every area. Across every industry I have worked in, the common thread has been helping organisations navigate the intersection of technology, innovation, and trust.
What does an average work day look like for you?
No two days are the same in privacy leadership. A typical day might start with discussions with product and marketing teams about embedding privacy principles into new features, followed by technical conversations with engineers about implementing safeguards. Later, I might advise executives on regulatory developments across multiple jurisdictions or consider how emerging technologies will reshape the organisation’s approach to data.
My work spans strategy, governance, and technology. Whether discussing system architecture with engineers, advising executives on global regulatory developments, or designing new products responsibly, my focus remains the same: turning complex challenges into practical, actionable solutions.
Are there any specific skills or traits that companies look for when you’re searching for roles in your field?
Beyond a strong legal foundation, it is important to be a pragmatic and business-focused advisor. Privacy professionals must balance regulatory compliance with commercial objectives, helping organisations manage risk while enabling innovation and growth.
Curiosity is critical. Technology evolves rapidly, and privacy leaders need to understand new systems, products, and business models to anticipate risks and opportunities.
Communication and translation skills are also essential. Privacy professionals sit at the intersection of law, technology, and business, and success requires translating complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance for engineers, product teams, and business leaders. Mastering this skill requires patience, intentional effort, and close engagement with the business to turn legal requirements into actionable solutions.
Strategic thinking is another key capability. Organisations are not only responding to current regulations; they are preparing for future regulatory environments and technological developments.
Finally, sound judgment and integrity are fundamental. Privacy professionals are trusted to help organisations balance legal obligations, innovation, and ethical responsibility. Navigating that balance thoughtfully distinguishes effective leaders in the field.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Almost everyone feels uncertain at the start of their career. Careers rarely follow a straight line. Mine has spanned entertainment, education, financial services, retail banking, media, advertising, and technology. Each step opened new opportunities and introduced fresh perspectives.
The key is to focus on learning, curiosity, and consistent effort. Rather than trying to plan every step perfectly, concentrate on delivering excellent work wherever you are, and look for opportunities to contribute beyond your immediate role. Often, the experiences that challenge you the most become the moments that shape your career in the most meaningful ways.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
My advice comes down to three things: passion, perseverance, and execution.
Technology and privacy are fields where you will often find yourself stepping outside your comfort zone. One of the most transformative experiences in my career was founding the company’s Privacy Engineering Centre of Excellence to design innovative solutions to complex compliance challenges. Leading an engineering function within the privacy office was initially far removed from my traditional legal training, but it has become a rewarding and insightful part of my professional journey.
This experience also reinforced the importance of learning from people with different expertise. I have benefited greatly from engaging with engineers and understanding how technical decisions intersect with privacy.
For women aspiring to build careers in technology, I encourage you to seek out mentors and perspectives from technical professionals. Networking, following technology leaders, and being curious about how systems are designed can help bridge the gap between legal, policy, and engineering disciplines.
Passion is what truly drives success. When you genuinely care about what you do, that commitment becomes visible in the quality of your work and the impact you create.
Perseverance is equally important. Career growth does not always happen exactly when or how you expect it. Approach every opportunity with determination and continue building your expertise even when the path forwards is not immediately clear.
Finally, focus on execution. People notice those who consistently deliver results. Reliability, commitment, and the ability to get things done open doors to new opportunities and help move your career forwards.
