Dutch privacy watchdog appoints ex-big tech lawyer as new chief
Geert Potjewijd spent nearly three decades helping big tech fight off privacy regulators. Now he has agreed to run the Dutch privacy watchdog that enforces those very rules.
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Geert Potjewijd spent nearly three decades helping big tech fight off privacy regulators. Now he has agreed to run the Dutch privacy watchdog that enforces those very rules.
Potjewijd studied history and law at Leiden University, where he launched his career as a lecturer and researcher.
For 27 years, he worked at the law firm De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek as a partner and co-headed the firm’s data protection and cybersecurity practice. As a lawyer, Potjewijd assisted clients for many years, ranging from large tech companies to civil society organizations.
He is best known for assisting multinational companies in major enforcement actions by data protection authorities and for defending companies against mass claims brought by NGOs and consumer organizations seeking millions of euros in damages.
Potjewijd is now taking on a new venture. Starting August 1st, 2026, Potjewijd will succeed Aleid Wolfsen as Chairman of the privacy regulator, who has held this position for the past 10 years.
“We are very pleased that Geert Potjewijd has agreed to take on this role. He has extensive knowledge of data protection, but his intrinsic motivation to strengthen human rights and protect democracy is even more important,” Monique Verdier, Vice Chairman of the DPA, says in a statement.
Potjewijd has his work cut out for him. Dutch society is becoming more digitized, with enormous amounts of personal data being collected and transmitted almost daily. On top of that, algorithms and AI technology are having a bigger impact on people’s lives. These developments call for a Chairman who dares to make tough choices.
There’s also an important task in strengthening cooperation with supervisors from European member states.
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“The digital society and the growth of artificial intelligence affect us all. As a regulator, the DPA plays an important role in this regard. I am honored to take on the role of Chairman,” Potjewijd says about his appointment.
On behalf of the Dutch government, Claudia van Bruggen, Minister for Legal Protection and Prisons, has approved the appointment of Potjewijd as Chairman of the privacy watchdog. For the next five years, he will fulfill this role.
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