Ericka Watson

Principal & CEO at Data Strategy Advisors

Speaker

Ericka Watson is a recognized leader in global privacy law, data strategy, and AI & digital governance. As the Principal & CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, she advises organizations on how to navigate the complexities of data use supporting the development and upscaling of her clients’ programs to align with evolving regulations while maximizing the value of their data. With over 20 years of experience, she has led privacy programs at several Fortune 100 companies such as Danaher Corporation, AbbVie, Abbott, and GE Healthcare, designing and implementing comprehensive global privacy programs that support business growth and regulatory compliance.

Previously, Ericka served as Chief Privacy Officer at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where she helped to lead the development of their AI governance program and global privacy strategies across all business functions, while overseeing legal and compliance matters related to personal data. Her expertise lies in bridging innovation, ethics, and regulatory compliance, helping businesses responsibly manage and leverage data in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Ericka is a past Chairwoman of the American Bar Association (ABA) Science Technology section and a contributing author to the ABA’s Artificial Intelligence: Legal Issues, Policy, and Practical Strategies. She also serves as a faculty member at Northwestern University, where she teaches Ethics, Law and Social Issues in the Master of Health Informatics program.

Through her work, Ericka continues to advocate for ethical AI, responsible data practices, and consumer data empowerment.