OpenX Technologies, Inc., one of the world’s leading omnichannel supply-side platforms, today (November 12th, 2024) announced the promotion of Julie Rooney to chief privacy officer and deputy general counsel. This strategic promotion underscores OpenX’s continued commitment to setting the standard for privacy-first practices in the ad tech industry.
As digital privacy and data protection have become central to the operations of businesses worldwide, OpenX has been at the forefront of understanding and facilitating compliance with rapidly evolving global privacy regulations, including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and beyond.
Under Rooney’s leadership, OpenX has proactively developed innovative compliance tools, instituted a dedicated Data Ethics & Privacy Council, and invested in regular external audits of its comprehensive privacy programme. Rooney has established herself as an expert both within the company as well as the broader industry, anticipating and communicating the downstream implications of varying US state privacy regulations and a potential expansion of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to include children up to age 16 or 17.
In her new role, Rooney will work closely with Pawel Meus, who has been promoted to data protection officer and legal director and will be managing data protection concerns. Together, they will ensure that OpenX leads the way in the intersecting worlds of data ethics, digital privacy, and data protection, cementing its reputation as a trusted global leader in ad tech.
"Julie’s promotion to chief privacy officer is a testament to her exceptional contributions and relentless dedication to our privacy initiatives," said Joshua Metzger, general counsel at OpenX. "Both her and Pawel’s vision and commitment to ethical data practices have not only shaped our company’s privacy strategy but have also positioned us as an industry leader in responsible data use."
Rooney joined OpenX as legal director three years ago, having previously focused on data privacy matters at law firm Paul, Weiss. At OpenX, Rooney has brought a critical outsider’s perspective on data privacy to the ad tech ecosystem, leveraging a deep intellectual curiosity and commitment to data ethics in her work. During her tenure as head of US privacy at OpenX, Rooney built an online privacy centre for consumers and developed industry-first audit and diligence tools to better understand data flows at a granular level in real time.
"In today’s rapidly evolving ad tech landscape, privacy isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a competitive advantage and a core ethical responsibility," says Rooney. "As OpenX continues to deliver innovative technology solutions, it’s imperative that we do so with a steadfast commitment to consumer transparency, control, and trust. I’m excited to lead the charge in building privacy-first solutions and collaborating with industry partners at this critical moment, as the evolution of online privacy shapes the future of digital advertising."