Speakers

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  Jennifer Howes Counsel, Latham & Watkins LLP
  

  Jennifer Howes

  Counsel, Latham & Watkins LLP

  Jennifer Howes advises clients on sophisticated technology and data issues.

  Jennifer leverages a nuanced understanding of the broad constellation of US privacy laws and her commercial approach to risk-based analysis to help clients navigate matters involving:

  • Global data privacy
  • Cybersecurity
  • Fintech
  • Digital marketing and adtech
  • Social media
  • Enterprise software
  • Product development
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Artificial intelligence

  A Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US and CIPP/E), she regularly provides strategic counseling on issues arising from the collection, use, sharing, and security of data. Jennifer guides clients on bringing new software and products to market; leveraging data in new ways; and complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), the EU/UK GDPR, US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirements, and global digital marketing laws and frameworks.

  Jennifer has substantial experience in complex M&A transactions, advising on privacy and data protection matters and conducting data privacy and cybersecurity diligence to assess potential liability and compliance issues, enable clients mitigate risk, and achieve seamless integration. She also helps clients create and implement privacy policies and programs designed to meet regulatory requirements and serve as strategic business assets.

  A recognized leader within the firm, Jennifer serves on Latham’s Pro Bono Committee and Data Privacy Committee, and is an Executive Committee Member for the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Cybersecurity and Privacy Law Section.

  Before joining Latham, Jennifer was an associate at a leading law firm in New Zealand, where she represented clients in privacy and employment-related claims and advised on compliance with APAC data protection laws, health information privacy, consumer protection, and data security incident response.

  While in law school, Jennifer was a judicial extern for Magistrate Judge James L. Cott of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York and an extern at the Knight First Amendment Institute.

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  Ghaith Mahmood Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
  

  Ghaith Mahmood

  Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP

  Ghaith Mahmood, Global Chair of the firm’s Data & Technology Transactions Practice, advises clients on all aspects of intellectual property and technology transactions — from developing, licensing, and commercializing IP assets, to advising on the IP aspects of strategic transactions.

  Ghaith is a leader of the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Practice, the Video Gaming & esports Practice, and a key member of the firm’s Digital Assets & Web3 Practice.

  Ghaith handles a full spectrum of IP and technology matters, including:
  • Licensing agreements involving technology, software, trademarks, and/or content
  • Strategic alliances, partnerships, and joint ventures
  • Video game development and publishing agreements
  • Manufacture, supply, and resale agreements
  • Open-source licensing
  • Customer and end-user arrangements
  • Consumer protection and advertising matters
  • Licensing and other commercial issues surrounding non-fungible tokens (NFTs)

  He also regularly collaborates with corporate colleagues to provide counseling on IP and technology matters in the context of:

  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Corporate financings
  • Bankruptcy and restructurings

  Drawing on experience with both traditional and innovative technologies, Ghaith regularly advises companies in the following technology sectors:

  • Adtech
  • Blockchain and digital assets
  • Digital and social media
  • Digital health
  • E-commerce
  • Information technology
  • Software
  • Transportation
  • Video games
  • Virtual and augmented reality

  Complementing his commercial work, Ghaith passionately advocates for pro bono clients in the technology industry, and also serves as lead counsel representing asylum seekers, abused children, and the homeless.

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  John Driver CEO, Lynx Technology; Lead Independent Director, City First Bank
  

  John Driver

  CEO, Lynx Technology; Lead Independent Director, City First Bank

  John Driver is a CEO and award-winning Independent Director with broad boardroom and executive leadership experience spanning technology, financial services, and energy. He brings expertise in corporate strategy, innovation, global P&L management, M&A, international operations, risk oversight, audit and finance, digital transformation, and AI/cybersecurity governance.

  He is CEO of Lynx Technology, a smart home IoT and digital media software company he founded through a management buyout from an NTT DOCOMO subsidiary. Under his leadership, Lynx evolved into a profitable global platform. He previously served as COO and CMO of PacketVideo, managing global operations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and held senior roles at Serena Software and Sun Microsystems.

  Mr. Driver is an Independent Director at Broadway Financial Corporation and City First Bank (NASDAQ: BYFC), where he chairs the Risk & Compliance Committee and serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees, and previously Nominating & Governance. He was formerly an Independent Director at Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE), serving on the Audit, Compensation and Finance Committees. As Finance Committee member, he provided oversight of a $3B+ public-to-public merger with Crescent Energy (NYSE: CRGY).

  He is President of the NACD Pacific Southwest Chapter, Chair of the Board of 50/50 Women on Boards, a Trustee of the Fleet Science Center, and mentors aspiring directors through the Black Corporate Board Readiness Program and the Corporate Directors Forum’s Avenue to the Boardroom. He holds NACD Directorship and Cybersecurity Oversight Certifications and has completed OCC bank board training. He is a frequent speaker on corporate governance matters.

  Mr. Driver is a recipient of a Director of the Year Award by the Corporate Directors Forum, a Directors to Watch Award by Directors & Boards Magazine and a Stanford Governor’s Award for leadership and service from Stanford University. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.