Jamal Ahmed’s Landmark Keynote at the European Commission: Leading Privacy Professionals to Lead with Purpose

NATIONWIDE - FEBRUARY 2026 - (USAnews.com) Last week, Jamal Ahmed stood before an audience of some of the most influential privacy professionals in Europe. His keynote at the European Commission was a powerful moment, one that challenged the status quo in the world of data protection and privacy law. As the BBC's "King of Data Protection" and an international bestselling author, Jamal's message was clear: privacy professionals must step into leadership roles, not just compliance ones.

A Historic Keynote at the European Commission

Jamal Ahmed had the honor of delivering a keynote to a distinguished audience at the European Commission in Brussels. The room was filled with data protection experts, including the European Commission’s internal network of Data Protection Coordinators, Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from other EU Institutions and Bodies, and representatives from the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS).

It was a rare opportunity to speak directly to those shaping the future of privacy policy across the EU. In his speech, Jamal shared his advocacy for a shift in mindset within the privacy profession. He has spent years promoting the idea that privacy professionals are not merely experts but leaders. And it’s time they started leading.

Jamal’s call to action was nothing short of inspiring. For too long, privacy professionals have been relegated to the role of behind-the-scenes experts, consumed by checklists, documents, and constant second-guessing. In his keynote, Jamal emphasized that privacy professionals have the potential to be visible authorities, trusted advisors, and outcome-driven leaders.

A Call for Transformation

Jamal’s message was simple but powerful:

Shift from:

• Hidden expert to visible authority

• Reactive task-doer to trusted advisor

• Overwhelmed worker to outcome-driven leader

His words hit home for many, but it was one attendee, Martina Levi, whose reflection on the keynote truly resonated with Jamal. Martina shared, “It made us ask: Why did we start this journey with privacy in the first place? And why do we end up buried in endless documents? The answer, for me, is simple. It’s the passion for this fundamental right. That passion gives us the strength to navigate the complex world of compliance.”

Jamal believes this passion is what privacy professionals need to harness in order to lead the industry forward. He stressed that privacy work should not just be about checking off boxes and ensuring compliance, it should be about making a meaningful impact and leading with purpose.

Leadership in Privacy: The Key to Progress

Jamal’s keynote wasn’t just about sharing insights; it was a rallying cry for all privacy professionals to recognize their own power and responsibility. In a profession that’s often bogged down by the minutiae of compliance, Jamal urged privacy professionals to take ownership of their leadership role in shaping a more privacy-conscious world.

He reminded the audience that the profession is evolving rapidly, and now, more than ever, privacy professionals must step forward, speak up, and lead with conviction. “The world needs privacy professionals who step forward, not back. Who speak up, not stay silent. Who lead with conviction, not just compliance,” he said.

In addition to the resounding success of the keynote, Jamal’s leadership in the privacy industry continues to be recognized. Just last month, he was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the UK for 2026, further solidifying his reputation as a global leader in data privacy. This honor is a testament to Jamal’s unwavering dedication to empowering privacy professionals worldwide and reshaping the industry.

The Message: Lead with Purpose, Leave a Legacy

Jamal’s message was simple: Privacy professionals didn’t enter this field to disappear behind documentation. They entered it to protect something fundamental: the privacy and rights of individuals. Now, it’s time for them to step forward and lead with purpose.

The keynote was a powerful reminder that privacy professionals have the responsibility to not just comply with regulations but to actively shape the privacy landscape. It’s about leading with conviction, making an impact, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Jamal concluded the keynote with a call to action that resonated deeply with his audience: “Step forward; lead with purpose; leave a lasting legacy.”

Jamal Ahmed's keynote at the European Commission was more than just a presentation, it was a call for privacy professionals to reclaim their leadership roles and transform their careers. If you’re ready to take the next step in your privacy journey, learn from Jamal’s mentorship at Privacy Pros Academy and begin leading with purpose today.

Visit Privacy Pros Academy
Listen to the Privacy Pros Podcast
Connect with Jamal on LinkedIn