Virginia, US – 30 September 2024 – the Board of Directors of Kantara Initiative has announced that Dr Carol Buttle is to join the organization in the newly created role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
Carol joins from the UK government’s Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) where she was Head of Certification and Assurance. She brings with her unrivalled expertise in designing trust frameworks and identifying the implications of specific regulations and standards designed to support personal data privacy and security. Carol has input regularly into the development of identity trust frameworks across the globe. As demand for identity certification extends into new markets and territories, she will ensure that Kantara maintains its role as leaders in identity assurance, offering challenge and guidance to support all our members, clients, and partners.
“Standards are everywhere,” said Carol. “We all seek assurance that the products we use, the medicines we consume – even the restaurants we visit – meet the appropriate standards and will not cause us harm. It is no different with identity. I see my role not just about certification and approvals. It is about how I can steer the wider industry to improve for the good of individual citizens, and particularly the most vulnerable.”
We asked Kantara Executive Director, Kay Chopard, about what she sees as the greatest impact of the new role. “Our investment in a Chief Technology Officer demonstrates significant commitment to the future of the industry as a whole, particularly with regard to the potential for international growth and greater interoperability across sectors and territories. Carol’s appointment follows on from the recent arrival of UK-based auditors James Keenan and David Nutbrown as our Head of Certification Delivery and Head of Regulatory Compliance, respectively. Their expertise greatly strengthens our existing operations and will secure confidence in the future direction of certification and identity assurance.”
Commenting on Carol’s appointment, Kantara Board Chair Andrew Hughes stated: “Carol’s appointment brings a real depth of regulatory and operational expertise to our leadership. It underpins the valuable contribution we already make through our Work Groups and certification programs. Carol brings with her thorough knowledge and expertise of UK requirements and how they might apply in the US. This will benefit those Kantara members who are engaged with US Federal Agencies or those wishing to become certified under the UK Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF).”
Click here to understand more about our US assurance program approval process