Skip to content
YS

Yves Schwarzbart

Thought Leader

Yves Schwarzbart is one of the UK digital advertising industry's most respected policy voices, having spent several years as Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at IAB UK — the trade body representing the online advertising ecosystem in the United Kingdom. In that role, he was a central figure in helping the industry navigate GDPR compliance, cookie consent frameworks, digital identity, and the post-Brexit divergence between UK GDPR and EU GDPR. He engaged directly with regulators including the ICO and CMA, and was a consistent advocate for proportionate regulation that protects consumers while sustaining a viable digital advertising market. His role at IAB UK was backfilled by a successor in March 2025, confirming his departure. Schwarzbart has since moved to Google, where he works in UK advertising industry relations — a role that positions him at the intersection of platform policy, trade body engagement, and regulatory affairs. His transition reflects the value that major platforms place on individuals with deep regulatory fluency and established relationships across the UK AdTech ecosystem. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted bridge between the commercial and regulatory worlds, helping businesses understand their obligations under evolving data protection law. As a thought leader, Schwarzbart has spoken at major AdTech and digital marketing conferences, contributed to policy consultations, and been frequently cited in industry commentary on topics including privacy-preserving technologies, the UK's Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill, and the future of the open web. His expertise spans law, technology, and commercial practice, making him a distinctive and influential figure in UK AdTech policy circles.

Last updated Jul 10, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment · Connections updated Jul 13, 2026

Role
Advertising Industry Relations Manager, UK
Company
Based
London, United Kingdom
Connections
1
Years in industry
10 years

Bio

Yves Schwarzbart is one of the UK digital advertising industry's most respected policy voices, having spent several years as Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at IAB UK — the trade body representing the online advertising ecosystem in the United Kingdom. In that role, he was a central figure in helping the industry navigate GDPR compliance, cookie consent frameworks, digital identity, and the post-Brexit divergence between UK GDPR and EU GDPR. He engaged directly with regulators including the ICO and CMA, and was a consistent advocate for proportionate regulation that protects consumers while sustaining a viable digital advertising market. His role at IAB UK was backfilled by a successor in March 2025, confirming his departure. Schwarzbart has since moved to Google, where he works in UK advertising industry relations — a role that positions him at the intersection of platform policy, trade body engagement, and regulatory affairs. His transition reflects the value that major platforms place on individuals with deep regulatory fluency and established relationships across the UK AdTech ecosystem. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted bridge between the commercial and regulatory worlds, helping businesses understand their obligations under evolving data protection law. As a thought leader, Schwarzbart has spoken at major AdTech and digital marketing conferences, contributed to policy consultations, and been frequently cited in industry commentary on topics including privacy-preserving technologies, the UK's Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill, and the future of the open web. His expertise spans law, technology, and commercial practice, making him a distinctive and influential figure in UK AdTech policy circles.

Career

  • Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs

    IAB UK · approx. 2019–2025

Expertise & education

Expertise

UK GDPR & EU GDPR ComplianceCookie Consent FrameworksDigital Identity & Privacy-Preserving TechnologiesRegulatory Affairs & Policy AdvocacyProgrammatic AdvertisingData Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) BillOpen Web & AdTech Ecosystem PolicyICO & CMA Engagement

Speaking topics

UK GDPR and post-Brexit data protection divergenceCookie compliance and consent frameworksPrivacy-preserving advertising technologiesThe future of digital identity and the open webProportionate regulation in digital advertising

Recognition

Notable achievements

  • Led IAB UK's policy and regulatory affairs function through the post-Brexit UK GDPR divergence period, shaping industry responses to major data protection developments
  • Served as a primary industry liaison with the ICO and CMA on AdTech-specific regulatory matters
  • Transitioned from leading UK AdTech trade body policy to an industry relations role at Google, reflecting cross-sector influence
  • Contributed to shaping industry positions on the UK's Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill

Publications

  • IAB UK policy papers and regulatory guidance documents on GDPR, cookie compliance, and digital advertising
Connection details