John O'Brien

Associate Director, Legal, Data Protection & Artificial Intelligence at Revolut

United Kingdom

About

Moving fast but trying not to break things. Currently leading Revolut's global privacy and data protection legal team.

Experience

  • Revolut (Full-time · 6 yrs 6 mos)
    • Associate Director, Legal, Data Protection & Artificial Intelligence
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    • Head of Legal, Data Protection & Artificial Intelligence
      Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

    • Lead Legal Counsel
      Feb 2021 - Mar 2023 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  • Reed Smith LLP (London, United Kingdom)
    • Senior Associate
      Mar 2019 - Jan 2020 · 11 mos

      I was a member of Reed Smith's IP, Tech & Data team, focused primarily on privacy, data protection and technology law matters. In particular, I advised clients on privacy contracting issues, transboundary data flows, cross-border investigations by data protection authorities and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance. My clients represented a diverse spectrum of industry sectors, including traditional manufacturers, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, online advertisers and a number of traditional blue chip companies.

    • Associate
      Oct 2017 - Mar 2019 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Secondee - Senior Privacy Counsel at Abbott
    Jun 2018 - Nov 2018 · 6 mos

    I was seconded to Abbott Laboratories as EU Senior Privacy Counsel. I provided privacy advice and support across Abbott's global divisions and functions.

  • Associate (Technology, Privacy, Data Protection & Outsourcing) at Milbank LLP
    Jun 2016 - Oct 2017 · 1 yr 5 mos

    As an associate in the firm’s Technology Practice, I advised on a broad range of privacy, technology and data protection law matters. I advised leading technology companies on contracting issues, transboundary data flows and cross-border investigations by data protection agencies.

  • Mason Hayes & Curran (4 yrs 2 mos)
    • Associate (Technology, Privacy & Data Protection)
      Dec 2014 - Jun 2016 · 1 yr 7 mos

      As part of the Privacy & Data Security Team, I provided expertise and strategic advice on all issues surrounding data protection compliance. Areas of particular experience included: Data breach incidents: Security breaches, and the resulting PR and legal consequences, are an increasing risk for businesses. MHC has extensive and highly regarded data breach incident expertise, and have assisted multi-national companies and public bodies in responding to data security incidents, particularly those with a cross-border dimension. Advice on New Technologies: Many of the most exciting and disruptive emerging technologies involve the processing of personal data. Working closely with both entrepreneurs and established innovators, MHC has advised on the design and implementation of a wide variety of products, particularly in the consumer goods, security and web 2.0 sectors. Global Privacy Structure: As businesses seek to move information across borders and limit their regulatory risk, “privacy structures” are emerging alongside tax and corporate structures as a key strategic concern. MHC advises many household names on the design and implementation of their global privacy structures.

    • Trainee Solicitor
      May 2012 - Dec 2014 · 2 yrs 8 mos