Microsoft hires former FTC Commissioner Julie Brill to head Privacy and Regulatory Affairs

Microsoft announced today that it has hired Julie Brill, former Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as the new head of the company’s Privacy and Regulatory Affairs Group. Brill will join the company as a CVP and deputy general counsel for Privacy and Regulatory Affairs.

The new exec will report directly to Microsoft’s President and Chief Legal Office Brad Smith, who shared that Brill’s expertise on privacy, cybersecurity law an policy will be key to push the Microsoft Cloud forward:

“Cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence have the potential to drive profound and positive change across society, but they raise new issues and responsibilities as well. Julie’s deep expertise in privacy, keen intellect and strong international relationships will enable our customers to use the Microsoft Cloud knowing that we will help meet their global technology regulatory needs.”

Brill was appointed to the FTC by former US President Barack Obama back in 2010, where she worked for six years on solutions to improve transparency, consumer protection and anti-trust. She left the FTC last year to join the global law firm Hogan Lovells, where she co-led the company’s Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group.

“I’ve been deeply impressed by Microsoft’s commitment to privacy, their willingness to stand up for customers and their focus on offering constructive solutions to new challenges,” said Brill. “I’ve always tried to do the same throughout my career in government. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to contribute in a new and particularly meaningful way,” she added.  The privacy expert will start her new privacy leadership role at Microsoft this summer.