ABHINAY ANAND
Bengaluru
Summary
Accomplished Data Privacy and AI Compliance Executive with over 20 years of experience leading privacy strategies for top-tier IT and e-commerce organizations. Expert in designing and implementing comprehensive data privacy governance frameworks, AI governance, and regulatory compliance programs aligned with global standards. Proven track record of managing large-scale privacy functions, influencing developing data policy with regulators, and driving organizational adherence to complex privacy laws. Committed to leveraging technical expertise and strategic leadership to safeguard data integrity and minimize risk ensuring ethical use of data and responsible use of technology.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Director – Data Privacy & AI Compliance
FLIPKART GROUP
Bangalore
10.2022 - Current
- Spearhead the Ethics & Compliance (E&C) charters for Data Privacy and AI across the entire Group, ensuring regulatory adherence across 8+ diverse entities including E-Commerce, Fashion, Banking, FinTech, Travel, and E-pharmacy.
- Orchestrated the implementation of the RBI Data Privacy Framework, ensuring strict compliance with the IT Act and SPDI Rules for critical FinTech entities, including super.money and Flipkart Finance (NBFC).
- Architected and deployed a group-wide responsible AI Governance framework, enabling the ethical launch of AI products while ensuring compliance with emerging global regulations.
- Serve as a key policy advisor to senior leadership, successfully influencing developing data policy in the e-commerce sector by engaging with public interest groups and regulatory bodies.
- Design and monitor subject matter programs, reducing compliance breaches through rigorous internal monitoring and control implementation.
Director – Data Privacy, Data Policy & Trust
FLIPKART GROUP
Bangalore
11.2019 - 09.2022
- Directed the E&C programs for Data Privacy and Consumer Protection, identifying and mitigating high-priority privacy risks associated with new business initiatives and emerging technologies.
- Drove organizational adoption of the data privacy framework by delivering targeted training and awareness programs to employees regarding AI, ML, and disruptive technologies.
- Conducted annual risk assessments and presented comprehensive risk reports to the Audit Committee, resulting in the adoption of key strategic improvements to the privacy program.
- Established robust processes for data incident management and data-subject access requests (DSARs), significantly reducing response times and ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Legal, Technology, and InfoSec teams to operationalize privacy controls, successfully supporting ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 audits.
Associate Director – Legal & Senior Privacy Counsel (APAC)
COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
India
10.2017 - 10.2019
- Led the APAC privacy program across 10+ countries (including Singapore, Australia, and China), ensuring regional alignment with global privacy standards.
- Partnered with the CISO and CTO to define and develop a resilient privacy program framework, integrating privacy-by-design principles into key technology deliverables.
- Facilitated lawful cross-border data transfer mechanisms, including BCRs and APEC-CBPR, enabling seamless data flow for international business operations.
- Conducted extensive M&A privacy due diligence and oversaw integrations, mitigating legal risks for major acquisitions.
Senior Manager – Legal Counsel & Data Protection Officer
DIMENSION DATA INDIA (NTT COMPANY)
India
09.2015 - 09.2017
- Served as the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Singapore and India entities, acting as the primary point of contact for regulators and ensuring full compliance with local data protection laws.
- Implemented a Third-Party Risk Management program and anti-corruption due diligence methodology, significantly reducing vendor-related risk exposure.
- Managed the 'Privacy Championship' program and led investigations into data breaches and ethical misconduct, resolving critical incidents effectively.
Manager – Legal & Privacy
CAPGEMINI INDIA PVT. LTD.
India
10.2009 - 08.2015
- Acted as the India Privacy Single Point of Contact (SPoC) for Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) implementation, streamlining intra-group cross-border data transfers.
- Drafted and negotiated high-value commercial contracts including Outsourcing, SaaS, and Cloud Services agreements, securing favorable terms for public and private sector entities.
Senior Legal Associate
QUISLEX LEGAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.
India
08.2006 - 08.2009
- Functioned as extended in-house counsel for major IT clients, managing complex IT contract negotiations and ensuring legal compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) -
University School of Law and Legal Studies, GGS Indraprastha University
Delhi, IndiaSkills
- Data Privacy Strategy
- Privacy Governance Frameworks
- Regulatory Compliance (GDPR, DPDP)
- AI Governance
- Cross-Border Data Transfer (BCR/SCC)
- Policy Development
- Data Privacy Impact Assessments (DPIA)
- Incident Response Management
- Third-Party Risk Management
- ISO 27001/27701 Audits
- Risk Mitigation & Controls
- RBI Data Privacy Framework
- IT Act Compliance
- Internal auditing
- FinTech & NBFC Regulatory Standards
- Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder Management
- Regulatory Liaison
- Training & Awareness Programs
- Team Leadership
- Crisis Management
Certification
- Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), IAPP
- Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E), IAPP
- Certified Information Privacy Professional/Asia (CIPP/A), IAPP
- Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), IAPP
- Certified Privacy Professional-India, DSCI, NASSCOM
- Certified ISO/IEC 27001:2013 ISMS, British Standards Institution
- Certified AI Governance Professional, Securiti.AI & B10x
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Privacy Leader of the Year 2018, Data Security Council of India (DSCI), NASSCOM
- Privacy Team of the Year 2024, DPO Club
- Walmart Digital Citizenship Top Privacy Program Award
Timeline
Senior Director – Data Privacy & AI Compliance
FLIPKART GROUP
10.2022 - Current
Director – Data Privacy, Data Policy & Trust
FLIPKART GROUP
11.2019 - 09.2022
Associate Director – Legal & Senior Privacy Counsel (APAC)
COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
10.2017 - 10.2019
Senior Manager – Legal Counsel & Data Protection Officer
DIMENSION DATA INDIA (NTT COMPANY)
09.2015 - 09.2017
Manager – Legal & Privacy
CAPGEMINI INDIA PVT. LTD.
10.2009 - 08.2015
Senior Legal Associate
QUISLEX LEGAL SERVICES PVT. LTD.
08.2006 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) -
University School of Law and Legal Studies, GGS Indraprastha University