K Royal

K Royal, PhD is an attorney and seasoned global compliance professional with over 25 years of experience in the legal and health sectors. As an active leader and bright voice in the tech world, K is a powerful advocate for global data protection, privacy, and cyber law, with a particular focus on emerging technologies, compliance integration, and risk management.

Currently serving as Global Chief Privacy Officer and Deputy General Counsel at Crawford & Company, K brings unparalleled expertise in navigating complex privacy landscapes for both start-ups and Fortune Global 500 companies. She is renowned for her work in shaping data strategies, guiding organizations through data protection & cybersecurity regulations, and leading transformative initiatives that foster ethical compliance.

K is also a highly sought-after speaker, a frequent author, and the co-host of the top-ranked award-winning Serious Privacy podcast, where she engages with industry leaders and boards on pressing privacy and tech issues. She has a distinguished career advising numerous non-profit organizations, contributing over 1,000 volunteer hours annually in governance, risk, and ethics roles.

Among her many accomplishments, K initiated the first global in-house program for women through the Association of Corporate Counsel, achieved her PhD while working full-time, and was the first to file a dual application for both processor and controller Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs). She has also co-authored the Data Privacy and Security Caselaw textbook through West Academic.

K holds certifications as a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US, CIPP/E), and Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE). She earned her JD from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University and her PhD in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.

With a relentless passion for privacy, ethics, and innovation, K continues to drive change in the global compliance landscape while mentoring the next generation of leaders in the field.