March 11, 2025 — The legal and corporate landscapes are undergoing noteworthy transformations as organizations pivot to strengthen their commitment to privacy standards amid tightening regulations. Recent announcements from key establishments, namely Allende & Brea and Environics Analytics, highlight the significance of experienced leadership as the demand for compliance and data protection intensifies.
Allende & Brea, the prominent law firm, made headlines on February 24, 2025, with the appointment of Mariano Peruzzotti as a partner specializing in Intellectual Property, Privacy, and Cybersecurity. With over two decades of experience, Peruzzotti has built his career around intellectual property, technology, and data protection law. His extensive background, which includes leading major national and international projects, is expected to bolster the firm's capacity to provide top-tier legal services for clients facing modern legal challenges. Valeriano Guevara Lynch, the chairman of Allende, emphasized, “Mariano joins the team to consolidate the firm’s presence in practices growing rapidly due to client demand for experts.” His arrival is anticipated to strengthen Allende’s position as a leader within the data protection practice sector, according to Pablo A. Palazzi, partner at Allende’s Intellectual Property division.
Meanwhile, Environics Analytics (EA) announced significant leadership changes on March 11, 2025, as they prepare for increased scrutiny and compliance demands related to personal data privacy. Amanda Maltby will step in as Chief Privacy Officer, having previously held the same title at Canada Post, where she championed data protection efforts for nearly two decades. Jan Kestle, EA's founder and president, hailed the appointment, stating, “By welcoming Amanda—a recognized privacy expert across all economic sectors—to lead on privacy, EA can expand its thought leadership on how personal privacy protection can work very successfully with data-driven decision-making.” James P. Smith, who has been with EA for eight years, will transition to the role of Chief Compliance Officer, focusing on compliance and risk management practices as the company seeks to adapt to rapidly changing privacy laws.
Both Allende & Brea and Environics Analytics are poised for growth through these strategic appointments, reflective of the growing urgency for businesses to navigate the complex privacy and regulatory environment. This trend echoes broader developments occurring across various states, particularly California and Colorado, who are enacting significant regulatory updates to bolster consumer privacy rights.
On the legislative front, states are increasingly asserting their authority to enforce privacy laws. Colorado’s attorney general has enacted new rules under the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA), effective as of December 6, 2024. Key provisions of this law include requirements for companies to inform consumers at the point of collecting biometric data and to secure consent from individuals aged 13 to 18. Such measures place Colorado among the states tightening regulations to protect minors and their personal data.
California, which has emerged as ground zero for privacy legislation, advanced proposed regulations on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) through the California Privacy Protection Agency on November 8, 2024. If passed, these regulations would mandate companies disclose their use of ADMT, particularly when it involves consumer profiling or making key decisions affecting individuals. Experts warn the expansive definition of profiling may encompass numerous tools currently on the market, which could raise compliance challenges for many businesses.
Even Texas is responding to the demand for stricter privacy measures. The state's Data Privacy and Security Act (TXDPSA) will enforce global opt-out mechanisms effective January 1, 2025, as the attorney general pursues investigations on various privacy-related issues, including children’s data handling and tracking mechanisms used by companies. These developments signify the importance of compliance amid stringent state legislation—something companies can no longer afford to ignore.
With the flurry of changes stemming from comprehensive privacy laws, companies must stay vigilant and informed. Their legal teams will need to adapt to the shifting regulatory frameworks shaped by proactive state oversight, particularly as federal legislation remains uncertain.
Notably, businesses must now recognize the heightened scrutiny on data practices and the increasing expectations for transparency and accountability. The moves made by Environics Analytics and Allende & Brea serve as prominent examples of how organizations are structuring themselves to meet these challenges head-on.
The appointment of seasoned experts like Mariano Peruzzotti and Amanda Maltby points toward a future where organizations prioritize privacy as pivotal to business strategy. Without doubt, the continued focus on compliance and data protection is not just about adhering to regulations; it reflects a commitment to safeguarding consumer trust amid the rapidly changing digital ecosystem.
For companies seeking to thrive, the message is clear: invest in expertise and knowledge to navigate the complex challenges associated with privacy and data protection laws.