Stuart Anderson: Trusted GDPR Compliance Expert & Data Security Consultant

Based in Ireland, XpertDPO is one of the leading providers of Data Security, Governance, and Risk and Compliance in the UK and beyond. Established by Stuart Anderson in 2018, the business offers tailor-made solutions to public and private sector organisations. With its value-based approach, XpertDPO provides pragmatic Information Security and Governance advisory and consultancy services to help clients overcome their regulatory challenges and concentrate on their business goals. Through Mr. Anderson’s people-centric leadership, the organisation has established a culture of trust which has fostered sustainable growth and long-term success. Stuart Anderson works hard to inspire excellence in his team and for his expert direction, we have bestowed on him this year’s award for Most Influential CEO – ROI (Data Protection).

At XpertDPO, the team is dedicated to helping organisations around the world create and preserve their value by transforming regulatory constraints into opportunities to make a positive impact on clients’ operations. Its proven methodology is grounded in research, experience, and a practical ethos which consistently delivers value to clients. With XpertDPO’s GDPR compliance services and outsourced data protection officer services, the business strives to change clients’ relationships with the data they process.

Prior to the introduction of GDPR, organisations were assumed compliant until evidence of noncompliance was identified. Since the EU legislation passed in 2018, it has become essential for businesses to appoint an individual responsible for evaluating and monitoring compliance. Many organisations outsource the responsibilities of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to compliance experts. XpertDPO provides a range of services to support the DPO role as well as keeping clients informed and updated on all data protection matters. By outsourcing the position, clients align themselves with specialised consultants who can quickly resolve GDPR issues, data breaches, subject access requests, and other compliance challenges.

XpertDPO provides ISO 27001 certification consultancy, offering clients an efficient means of managing their data security. The ISO 27001 standard provides a set of standardised requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS) and offers a process-based approach to clients for implementing, managing, and improving their ISMS. This framework helps organisations to safeguard valuable data, effectively manage risks to information security, achieve compliance, and protect the organisation’s reputation. XpertDPO understands that data protection is essential to successfully manage and streamline business operations. By achieving ISO 27001 certification, organisations can ensure confidential data remains secure in order to protect clients, assets, and shareholders.

The innovative company also specialises in providing Nominated European Representative Services to non-EU and non-UK based organisations. Although GDPR is a European regulation, organisations outside of the EU may be required to appoint a European Representative under certain circumstances. To help clients navigate GDPR, XpertDPO assigns a certified Data Protection Expert to ensure that businesses remain compliant. It is XpertDPO’s belief that data security function should be informed by an organisation’s business objectives. Its diligent team helps clients to turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for success, creating a positive impact on their economic and organisational models.

Founder Stuart Anderson is a GDPR consultant and Data Security expert who leverages his industry experience and technical proficiency to advise in the areas of Data Protection, Data Quality, Information Security, Governance Risk and Compliance, and implementing Regulatory Compliance processes. He is certified by ISACA and possesses the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications. Most recently, Mr. Anderson has published articles in the International Journal for Data Protection Officers, Privacy Officers, and Privacy Counsel with his latest work examining the impact of Brexit on Data Protection.

Reflecting on his career, Mr. Anderson says, “I worked in numerous technology and software companies culminating in me having a shareholding in a software start up. I founded XpertDPO as I had a passion for information security and, as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became enforceable in 2018, I saw an opportunity to start my own business that specialised in offering these services to clients here in Europe and further afield. My approach has always been the same, and that is the relentless pursuit of excellence. This has led to XpertDPO becoming the largest supplier of information security services in the Irish Public Sector. In addition, we have opened offices in London and, most recently, Bahrain in the Middle East. XpertDPO has over 500 clients across the globe and is the trusted advisor to many enterprise clients.”

Within the organisation, Mr. Anderson focuses on the business growth objectives of XpertDPO. His client-centric philosophy revolves around building long-lasting relationships with clients based on trust in order to effectively advise on Information Security and Governance. The key to XpertDPO’s success is hiring exceptional staff who are passionate about achieving client satisfaction. Mr. Anderson has fostered a culture of learning and growth that encourages staff to perform at their best. XpertDPO values collaboration and its team works together to create a cooperative environment that supports one another.

Mr. Anderson shares, “Owning and running a business is stressful and involves sacrifice. You have to commit to it and have a mindset that at times needs to be ruthless, whether that be with your time, resources, or when making decisions. You will need to be relentless in how you approach the growth of your business. It is important to hire great people and let them perform; it’s your job to foster this culture within your organisation.”

In the Information Security and Governance industry, Mr. Anderson has noticed a distinct lack of experienced individuals with the necessary skills to excel. XpertDPO is currently working to establish strategic partnerships with several educational institutions in order to build an apprenticeship program. Apprentices will work alongside XpertDPO staff to enhance their existing skills and gain valuable experience. The company will also help learners to gain recognised industry certifications and qualifications. Once their education is completed, apprentices will begin work in one of XpertDPO’s global offices.

In the future, XpertDPO will have a two-fold focus, to expand its operations in the Middle East region and to implement new service offerings that will ensure that clients remain informed on all governance issues. These new services will integrate technology to keep up with the latest AI regulations that are beginning to be implemented worldwide.

Moving forward, Mr. Anderson will continue to focus on business growth and building meaningful relationships with clients. It is his primary goal for XpertDPO to become a trusted global leader of consultancy for Enterprise Information Security and Governance. Under his inspirational leadership, XpertDPO will continue to provide a suite of practical solutions to address clients’ data protection and GDPR concerns, allowing them to focus on their core activities. By channelling Mr. Anderson’s client-centric philosophy and value-based approach, the team provide vital support for clients to help them overcome their regulatory challenges. For Mr. Anderson’s strategic direction, he has received our award for this year’s Most Influential CEO – ROI (Data Protection).

For business enquiries contact Stuart Anderson from XpertDPO Ltd on their website – https://xpertdpo.com/