ABOUT

Spectrum Intelligence Caro is currently a Non-Executive Director and Senior Advisor to Spectrum Intelligence, a Netherlands-based AI company that provides ethical data labelling, cleansing and verification services to client across sectors and geographies by empowering employees on the autistic spectrum to use their autistic superpowers to promote AI for good.

Global AI Association · Freelance Caro is the UK ambassador and a senior leadership team member of international non-profit think tank the Global AI Association, which focuses on advocating for ethical AI, fair digital markets and the promotion of dialogue between commercial sectors and multilateral bodies including the UN.

Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner Jan 2023 - Sep 2023 Caro was headhunted to be Executive Director of strategy for data protection regulator in financial centre Jersey, responsible for conceptualising strategy to meet objectives and ensure its implementation for organisation’s long-term future. She maximised resource efficiency by delivering a practical, implementable strategy at less than £250,000 cost, increasing organisation’s regulatory reach into three major sectors including financial services, trusts and insurance, reducing case completion timescales through improved automation Caro contributed her legal and technology expertise to major government projects including Future Economy Programme, achieving strategy to create viable digital economy by 2030, and assisted in drafting new legislation on digital markets, cryptoassets and cybersecurity. She also chaired sub-group of Global Privacy Assembly, and represented the organisation in international events and forums.

Milieu SRL Oct 2021 - Oct 2022 Brussels, Belgium Caro developed and led the data protection and digital practice for Milieu Consulting SRL, an independent private sector consultancy committed to serving the public interest by providing high quality consulting services to EU institutions. She provided strategic direction, business development and leadership with shared management responsibility for 40 in matrix environment, directly managing research teams of up to 15 within dedicated project budgets of up to €1 million. Caro identified new consulting opportunities and clients, recognising and winning three major contracts worth over €1 mil value each, increasing profile of organisation and size of permanent and ad hoc team. She consulted as expert legal and public policy advisor to EU institutions, resulting in published papers influencing EU and national legislation and policy on data protection, digital markets, EU funds and AI. Caro also managed complex research and analysis projects for several major contracts of over €1 mil value, working closely with diverse clients to produce actionable insights within timeframes and project budgets.

Mastercard Jul 2018 - Sep 2021 Dubai, UAE Caro led the privacy and data protection function for global fintech in Middle East and Africa, designing and managing regional compliance programme to meet commercial, legal and risk profile avoiding fines of up to $1 billion. She developed and implemented a major compliance programme for 78 countries and free zones, including training, thought leadership and risk assessment, and managed a team of four consultancy staff, maximising resource efficiency within $100,000 budget, avoiding potential fines of over $1 billion. Caro provided expert legal advice in data governance, AI, emerging technology and privacy; developed award-winning technology with project teams in commercial, humanitarian and government data use, entering new sectors such as central bank digital currencies and micro-enterprise payments in Sub-Saharan Africa. She also developed an automated system for assessment of projects against legal, commercial and reputational risks, reducing time for legal assessment and go-to-market process by almost 50% for new products. Caro also acted as subject expert to governments across region on new legislation, receiving Mastercard Law, Franchise and Integrity Leadership Award 2019 for work on Kenyan Data Protection ActLed privacy and data protection function for global fintech giant in Middle East and Africa region, through thought leadership, legal advice, and programme management.

Etihad Aviation Group Oct 2014 - Jul 2018 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Caro developed and led the data privacy and cybersecurity function for the diversified global aviation and travel group Etihad, including loyalty programmes, marketing and data analytics functions. During her time at Etihad, Caro designed and implemented major compliance programme and data strategy for group’s 24 companies, achieving global GDPR implementation by May 2018 deadline. She worked closely with Board to secure £200,000 budget and support for organisational reform, avoiding potential fines of $400 million. Caro brought the group into compliance with privacy and digital regulation and culture, standardised data collection and handling systems/processes with information security and risk management teams. She also built and led team of three permanent and four consultancy staff, acting as champion for data governance within group and as external advocate with governments and international bodies, raising the group's profile.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mar 2013 - Oct 2014 Afghanistan In Afghanistan, Caro mentored and advised a four-star Afghan General, achieving major institutional reforms for national security agency, and advised the UK Government and international military on international law and helped re-build Afghan legal code. Caro designed an organisational reform programme for Afghan security institution to increase effectiveness and meet international standards. She analysed organisational weaknesses, secured international funding and led a diverse multidisciplinary team of four to implement reforms within budget of £150,000. Caro achieved reduction in staff turnover by 30%, secured ongoing national funding for agency, and reduced case completion times by 50%. She was the recipient of Certificate of Appreciation (Attorney General Afghanistan) for the reforms achieved. As part of her role, Caro also advised the UK Government and international military on international law, including intelligence and data exploitation, including real-time events in theatre of conflict. She negotiated multi-national agreements on contentious issues of national sovereignty and international law, including between nations and international organisations. Caro coordinated with NGOs, UN organisations, international military and Afghan stakeholders to re-build Afghan legal code and institutions.

Serious Organised Crime Agency Apr 2009 - Mar 2013 London, United Kingdom Caro was recruited within this non-departmental public body of the UK Government to advise on data, privacy and technology law whilst managing and mentoring junior staff. At SOCA (now the National Crime Agency), she advised operational and policy teams on intelligence, cybercrime and privacy matters in the field of serious crime and counter-terrorism, including real-time, threat-to-life situations. She also advised the Board on major technology procurement projects and high-profile investigations. Caro advised Ministers and Senior Officials on domestic, European and international data privacy law, including the UK Prime Minister in high-profile cases, and contributed to new Privacy and Telecommunications legislation. Caro also represented the UK Government in international forums, including negotiating three multilateral agreements that enhanced cross-border cooperation among law enforcement agencies, addressing critical threats to national security.

Private Practice · Self-employed Sep 2006 - Apr 2009 London, United Kingdom Caro provided advocacy and advisory skills in Crown and Magistrates’ Court proceedings. Litigated cybercrime and internet offences, fraud cases, and dealt with complex legal arguments in confiscation proceedings valuing over £600,000. She prepared legal research for UK Law Commission in expert evidence and advice for senior counsel on new areas of law and complex issues, including cross-jurisdictional issues and criminal liability of corporations. Caro appeared as Junior Counsel in major prosecutions, including multi-defendant murder and fraud trials.