Hustinx held the role of European data protection supervisor from 2004 until 2014. He has also served as director of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the Centre for Democracy & Technology (CDT) in Washington DC, and was chairman of the EU’s Article 29 data protection working party from 1996 until 2000.

The regulator said Hustinx’s appointment will strengthen its commitment as “an effective and influential international data protection regulator” after Brexit.

Information commissioner Elizabeth Denham said: "The ICO will benefit from Peter’s vast experience, expertise and international connections. He will be a real asset in helping us to continue to maintain and grow our global networks and influence.

"These are challenging times but the ICO and EU supervisory authorities will remain internationally connected and new working relationships will be essential to maintaining the flow of data in areas such as international transfers, mutual contribution to guidance development on topics of interest, and keeping pace with emerging threats and changing technology."

Hustinx added: "I look forward to working with the ICO to help ensure its continued effectiveness and good governance in a period of rapid transitions."