Christina Tueje, one of our esteemed Judges asked Adele Ashiri a few questions about her dedication to the PICCASO community and her accomplishments since receiving the PICCASO award.
Why Mentorship, Milestones & PICCASO Africa Matter More Than Ever
Adele Ashiri is the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for The Coca-Cola Company’s European Operating Unit, where she also serves as the DPO for Costa Coffee and Innocent Drinks. Adele won the Rising Star Award in 2024.
By day, Adele advises on privacy by design in AdTech and marketing, navigating the intersections of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML), data governance, and cybersecurity, while steering organisations through compliance, risk, and regulatory complexity. It’s highly interestingly, high-impact work - and she loves it.
But real magic also happens outside work.
Adele is passionate about mentorship. She mentors A Level students and emerging privacy professionals, helping them find their voice in a sector that’s evolving faster than ever.
She is proud to be part of the Black Privacy Professionals Network (BPPN) – with her commitment to championing equity, representation and building the future generation of privacy leaders.
Adele enjoys contributing to a community that is driven by purpose, possibility, and people who care.
From Compliance to Confidence: Adele’s Journey as a Rising Star in Privacy
Winning the Rising Star award has been a catalyst for her confidence. It expanded her network, and opened doors to judging panels, speaking engagements, and deeper mentorship.
It’s also reminded Adele of how much she loves the privacy professional’s community.
She reminds us that the PICCASO Awards spotlights quiet and impactful brilliance across Privacy, InfoSec, and Compliance – while creating space for privacy professionals to connect, collaborate, and celebrate.
This is why Adele is especially excited about the launch of PICCASO Africa. It’s a bold and welcome initiative that amplifies diverse voices in ways that will showcase unique innovation and build a truly global privacy community.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your current role
Adele: I am the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for The Coca-Cola Company’s European Operating Unit, where I also serve as the DPO for Costa Coffee and Innocent Drinks. In my role, I advise on privacy by design especially in AdTech and marketing, data governance, AI/ML, and cybersecurity. I oversee data protection compliance, provide guidance on data protection obligations, data subject rights fulfilment, provide data protection training and act as an escalation point for data protection risk and compliance issues.
Outside of this, I am a member of the Black Privacy Professionals Network, and I mentor A Level students and Privacy Professionals.
What has been the most surprising aspect of receiving recognition? And how did you feel?
Adele: When I discovered that I had been shortlisted for two awards, I was absolutely thrilled—winning hadn’t even crossed my mind. On the night of the ceremony, hearing my name announced as the winner of the Rising Star award left me truly astonished. What surprised me most was the sense that my journey in the industry has only just begun, so to be recognised as a Rising Star felt not only unexpected, but deeply humbling and profoundly meaningful. It made me reflect on how much I truly love the industry and look forward to a long career in it.
In what ways has this recognition shaped your professional identity or confidence?
Adele: Receiving the Rising Star award has boosted my confidence and confirmed that my efforts are recognised. It has also expanded my network within the data protection and privacy field, where since winning, my network has grown even richer; learning from brilliant minds
Have you received invitations to speak, mentor, or contribute to policy discussions because of receiving the PICCASO award?
Adele: Receiving my award has brought valuable recognition, leading to opportunities such as judging awards, speaking on panels, and mentoring. It’s a privilege to give back to an industry that has greatly contributed to my career growth, as well as given me the chance to grow in confidence, knowledge and skill.
Why do you think the PICCASO Awards matter?
Adele: The PICCASO Awards provide an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge achievements of professionals in the Privacy, InfoSec, and Compliance industry and highlight the sector's significance. The event also serves as a great occasion for individuals in the field to network and get to know each other more. I am grateful that PICCASO Awards exists, and I look forward to seeing how it develops and provides a platform for more people. I am especially excited for the launch of PICCASO Africa.