A leader in European data protection matters, Wim assists clients with structuring compliance programs to address specific aspects of the GDPR. He also has a particular emphasis on privacy issues in life sciences and new media.

Wim is a Belgian-qualified lawyer who counsels clients on all aspects of EU and international data protection and privacy law. His work includes advising on the EU data protection reform and compliance requirements under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), implementing data transfer strategies and assisting with EU-US Privacy Shield certifications, advising on privacy implications of cross-border M&A transactions and data security measures, representing clients before data protection authorities and reviewing privacy policies. He also conducts privacy and data protection impact assessments and compliance training.

Wim has been recognized as a leading privacy practitioner by Chambers Global, Chambers Europe, The Legal 500 (Belgium), The International Who’s Who of Technology Lawyers, and by Global Law Experts. He has written and spoken widely on privacy-related topics, such as cloud computing, interest-based advertising, cross-border discovery and privacy compliance in pharmaceutical research.

Relevant Experience

• Advised a social network services provider on EU data privacy issues in connection with the roll-out of its services in Europe. This matter involved several innovative aspects in light of the social networking services that the client is offering.
• Advised a biotechnology company on privacy matters with regard to clinical trial studies in the European Union. This involved providing pan-European strategic advice as well as country-specific, detailed guidance on applicable legal requirements.
• Advised an international charity organization on applicable data protection and privacy rules affecting its activities in more than 70 countries worldwide, with a view to design a global privacy compliance plan.
• Advised a global paper and packaging manufacturer on the implementation throughout the EMEA region of new privacy policies, as well as employee monitoring systems in compliance with applicable data protection rules.

• Advised a leading communication technology company on data protection issues in the context of Next Generation Network environments.
• Advised and assisted a US-based medical device company with subsidiaries in Europe on e-discovery issues in connection with an investigation conducted under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
• Advised an online library service on cloud computing issues.
• Advised a major pharmaceutical company on the design and implementation of a global data breach response plan.
• Advised a leading provider of global media services on data protection aspects in connection with its online privacy policies and terms of use.
• Advised a global leader in business intelligence technology on EU data protection compliance issues relating to the development of social networking applications.
• Advised a major pharmaceutical company on the design and implementation of a global data breach response plan.
• Advised a US-based medical device company on EU data protection issues relating to the promotion of their products to healthcare professionals in Europe.
• Advised and assisted a global pharmaceutical company with the development and implementation of employee training programs focusing on different aspects of EU data protection compliance.
• Advised a US-based provider of comprehensive supply chain solutions to the medical device industry on the implementation of a (Sarbanes-Oxley) whistleblowing system covering its European subsidiaries.
• Advised a global provider of molecular diagnostics and testing services on privacy and data protection issues in connection with HIV assays.

Bar Admissions

Education
LLM, University of Georgia School of Law, 1994JD, University of Brussels, magna cum laude, 1992