Background –
Wills Catling is currently serving as a Director at Myna Partners, where he brings with him over sixteen years of dedicated, hands-on expertise in the areas of Privacy and Data Protection. Throughout his career, Wills has cultivated a reputation for combining technical knowledge with practical leadership, ensuring that complex privacy challenges are approached with both confidence and clarity.
In his leadership role at Myna Partners, Wills does far more than oversee projects. He spearheads teams of experienced professionals, guiding them to work collaboratively and strategically. Together, they design comprehensive and forward-thinking Privacy Strategies as well as AI Governance frameworks that are not only visionary in concept but also grounded in the real requirements of organizations today. Under his direction, these multidisciplinary teams take ideas from theory into practice, carefully shaping policies, and then implementing the practical processes that bring them to life in fast-moving, real-world settings.
Before joining Myna Partners, Wills held the position of Director at Promontory Financial Group, which operates as a respected division of IBM Consulting. During his time there, he focused heavily on helping clients navigate the intricate regulatory landscape of data protection. His work centered on addressing the operational challenges faced by global organizations, many of which must balance diverse legal obligations across multiple jurisdictions. This experience strengthened his ability to translate regulatory requirements into actionable programs, tailored to organizations of varying size and complexity.
Earlier in his career, Wills spent seven and a half years with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). The IAPP is recognized as the largest global professional association devoted to privacy, and Wills’s time there gave him a unique perspective on the worldwide evolution of data protection standards. His tenure at the IAPP helped solidify both his expertise and his reputation as a committed contributor to the profession.
Experience, Skills, and Expertise –
Over the years, Wills has consistently demonstrated a proven track record of leading projects, managing teams, and building robust solutions that ensure organizations comply with a wide range of privacy regulations. These include well-known frameworks and laws such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act (GLBA), and the Barbados Data Protection Act (BDPA). Each of these introduces its own set of demands, and Wills has shown skill in helping businesses not only achieve compliance but also establish sustainable, long-term practices that continue to add value.
What truly sets Wills apart is his pragmatic and risk-based approach to privacy leadership. He has worked across every area of an enterprise—partnering with IT to ensure systems align with compliance goals, collaborating with HR and Legal to address employee and regulatory needs, and engaging with Sales and Marketing teams to balance business growth with consumer trust. His ability to communicate across disciplines ensures privacy and data protection remain integrated into the overall strategy of an organization rather than being treated as isolated concerns.
This expertise has been applied across an impressive spectrum of industries, from pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and biotechnology to financial services, technology, and even the rapidly changing field of digital currencies. No matter the sector, Wills brings the same careful balance of technical precision and strategic foresight to every project.
Certifications and Education –
Wills has earned several prestigious certifications that reflect both his knowledge and his ongoing commitment to professional development. Among these are the Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), along with the CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPT, and CIPM designations—all awarded by the IAPP. These credentials highlight his deep understanding of privacy regulations across regions, his technical acumen in implementing data protection technologies, and his skill in managing privacy programs.
In addition, Wills has expanded his expertise through a collection of OneTrust certifications, including OneTrust Privacy Professional, OneTrust Expert in Data Discovery, Data Mapping, PIA & DPIA Automation, and Privacy Rights Automation. Together, these credentials demonstrate a strong command of both regulatory knowledge and the tools that organizations increasingly rely upon to manage compliance.
Beyond certifications, Wills has also shared his insights as a member of the Board of Advisors for the International Privacy & Security Forum. In this role, he contributes thought leadership and strategic guidance, helping shape important conversations at the intersection of privacy, security, and governance.
A Professional Vision –
Throughout every stage of his career, Wills Catling has remained committed to advancing the practice of privacy and data protection. His ability to bridge strategy with execution allows organizations to not only meet the letter of regulatory requirements but also operate with confidence in an environment where expectations are constantly evolving. By combining deep expertise, practical leadership, and an unwavering focus on collaboration, Wills continues to play a central role in shaping the future of data protection across industries worldwide.