Elizabeth Smith is a seasoned privacy attorney and compliance professional with over 30 years of experience, transitioning from litigation to serving as in-house counsel for some of the most prominent multinational Fortune 500 organizations. Her career spans across multiple industries, including entertainment, biotech/pharma, and consumer packaged goods, where she has consistently demonstrated expertise in privacy law, regulatory compliance, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance implementation.

As the Head of Global Privacy, Senior Director & Associate General Counsel for Privacy Law at Seagen (acquired by Pfizer), Elizabeth led global privacy initiatives, focusing on scaling data privacy and security programs to support Seagen’s expanding product portfolio and geographic footprint. She was instrumental in ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks such as the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and U.S. state laws, while also guiding the company’s AI governance policy through Seagen’s AI Center of Innovation. She established herself as a key figure in driving privacy by design principles, developing legal strategies for AI integration, and managing privacy risks in a global context across all functions in the enterprise.

Before her time at Seagen, Elizabeth held critical roles at Mattel, Inc., Amgen Inc., and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., where she provided strategic direction for data privacy and security compliance programs. Her work included establishing processes, developing compliance policies, and handling data privacy laws in emerging sectors such as digital marketing and media platforms, e-commerce, and connected products. At Mattel, she spearheaded initiatives in children’s privacy, leading efforts to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the CAN-SPAM Act, and other digital marketing and advertising regulations.

Elizabeth’s career began in civil litigation, where she gained a strong foundation in trial advocacy, negotiation, and legal research at law firms such as Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman LLP. Over time, she transitioned to corporate roles that allowed her to leverage her legal expertise in broader, strategic contexts. Her tenure at Sony Pictures Entertainment exemplified her ability to merge legal and business objectives, managing legal affairs related to intellectual property, privacy, and digital content distribution.

Her educational background includes a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern California, graduating cum laude. Elizabeth also holds several certifications, including Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), showcasing her commitment to staying at the forefront of legal and ethical standards in compliance, privacy, and data security.

Elizabeth’s dedication extends beyond her professional achievements. She is deeply passionate about causes such as children’s welfare, civil rights, economic empowerment, education, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation. Her resolve in these areas reflects her broader vision of creating positive social impact through her professional and personal endeavors.

Throughout her career, Elizabeth has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in compliance, privacy, and data protection, while also serving as a thought leader in the integration of AI and emerging technologies. She has served on the boards of the International Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Privacy Consortium (IPMPC) and Pharmaceutical Records & Information Management Organization (PRIMO), further cementing her reputation as a key influencer in the field of privacy law. With a history of public speaking engagements and publications, Elizabeth continues to be a highly sought-after expert and advisor in her field.

Character:

Elizabeth Smith is a dedicated and ethical leader, known for her integrity and commitment to protecting privacy and upholding the highest standards in compliance. She consistently demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring her work benefits both her organizations and the greater good.

Knowledge:

With over 30 years of experience in privacy law, data protection, and compliance, Elizabeth is an expert in navigating complex regulatory environments. Her in-depth knowledge spans multiple industries, including biotech, entertainment, and consumer products, making her a trusted authority in her field.

Strategic:

Elizabeth is a forward-thinking strategist, adept at developing comprehensive privacy and compliance programs that align with business objectives. She excels at implementing privacy by design principles and guiding organizations through the complexities of emerging technologies like AI.

Communication:

A skilled communicator, Elizabeth is highly effective in collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting complex legal concepts to diverse audiences. Her ability to articulate strategic plans and foster understanding of regulatory issues has been key to her success in leading global privacy initiatives.