McDougall (pictured) is taking up the position from risk management and regulatory compliance consulting firm Promontory, where he is currently managing director, leading the company’s global privacy and data protection practice.

He also serves on the Board of Directors and the European Advisory Board at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

In his new role, he will be responsible for new approaches to information rights practice and promoting compliant processing of personal data as a core aspect of new business systems and technologies. He will take up the position in late September.

Elizabeth Denham, information commissioner, said: "As a globally respected figure in the world of privacy and innovation, Simon is a great fit for this new role, which will strengthen our expertise and responsiveness to new challenges and opportunities."

McDougall added: "Technological change continues to accelerate, and it is vital that the ICO remains constructively and robustly engaged as organisations innovate in the use of personal data."