When I speak with privacy professionals across the globe, one question I often hear has to do with getting in the ear -- or merely on the radar -- of the executive suite. That's a symptom of the fact that there are still some companies out there for which privacy is a check-off item, not a strategic endeavor. The good souls with whom I speak wish to elevate their functions within the organization and demonstrate that privacy can add real value to their company's brand, and they want to know the best route to get there.

The best way, of course, is to make a clear case for a positive bottom-line impact. Whether through reduced risk of a costly data breach, or through an increase in revenue through brand enhancement, more money is usually an attention-getter. We've got an example of how one organization made privacy a strategic component to positive revenue.

There are positive signs that privacy's value is getting attention, however. A recent ranking of business ethics influencers included a number of privacy luminaries from around the globe. We tell that story in this issue as well. Maybe, after reading this issue of Inside 1to1: Privacy, you'll be inspired to make the list next year.

What do you think is the best way to demonstrate the value of privacy to the C-suite?  Email me your thoughts.

J. Trevor Hughes, CIPP

Executive Director, IAPP