Event summaries, slides and recordings

Briefing with Tom Reynolds, Chief Economist, Information Commissioner's Office

Author WIG Date 24 Jun 2026

Theme(s)

Technology as a driver of growth and productivity

We are delighted to welcome Tom Reynolds, Chief Economist at the Information Commissioner's Office, who will explore how data protection, responsible data use and innovation can support economic growth while meeting regulatory expectations. Tom will reflect on the importance of trust, best practice and engagement between regulators, industry and civil society to unlock the full value of data in the public interest. 

With organisations across sectors increasingly looking to data as a driver of transformation, this session will offer members practical insight into regulatory priorities, emerging challenges and the role of collaboration in shaping a more confident, joined-up data ecosystem. 

Join us on the day to see the evidence and learn about the approaches that the ICO uses, and to explore: 

  • How can regulators, industry and civil society work together to ensure data protection frameworks enable rather than constrain economic activity? 
  • Where are the pressure points in current data regulation, and what practical steps can organisations take to navigate them with confidence? 
  • How should the UK balance data protection obligations with its ambitions for AI, digital growth and public sector reform?

To access this resource you must be a WIG member and logged in to our website. 

You can register or log-in here. 

Event Speakers

Tom is an economist specialising in data protection and privacy issues. His background is in regulatory and competition economics, primarily in digital markets and telecommunications. Before joining the ICO in 2020 he worked for Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, and before this in economic consulting.
Based in London, he leads teams applying economics, research and analysis to understand and solve complex policy problems and develop regulatory strategy, balancing competing objectives and enabling better decision-making.
Tom holds undergraduate and masters degrees in economics from the London School of Economics, and postgraduate qualifications from King’s College London and the Harvard Kennedy School.