“Quick Qs” is a chance to get to know more about new leaders here at Levi Strauss & Co. Meet Karen McGee, our new Chief Privacy Officer.
1. What is your new role all about?
Establishing a global privacy framework at Levi Strauss & Co. and creating a corresponding program for legal compliance and data stewardship shaped by our company’s values.
2. What attracted you to LS&Co.?
The engaging conversations I had with the team during the interview process were unlike anything I had experienced in interviews for other companies. I truly enjoyed each meeting and I felt immediately at home. In addition, the importance of philanthropy, sustainability and other key values to the organization’s mission was truly inspirational. The opportunity to get to know an entirely new industry at a global level for such an iconic brand was immediately exciting.
3. What are the biggest challenges you and your team face?
The privacy legal landscape is moving so quickly with more than 130 countries having enacted at least one unique privacy/data protection law. More than ever before, privacy is combining legal skills with operational requirements such as project management, conducting operational privacy assessments and delivering on consumer requests. Our role is to navigate these waters, partner across the organization to deliver on requirements and help the company strike the right balance of data stewardship and innovation.
4. What’s your Levi’s® story?
Growing up I “borrowed” my dad’s well-worn trucker jacket — he never got it back. I did my own customizing with household bleach and strategically placed rips and wore it nearly nonstop in high school. Having lost my dad several years back, I sure wish I still had it — brings back fond memories.
5. How do you unwind?
Mixing creative craft cocktails for friends. My all-time favorites are a Spiced Peach Daiquiri, the Corpse Reviver, Aviation or the classic Sazerac.
6. What’s the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
My own horse training facility and a Grand Prix dressage horse (or more than one)!
7. What food do you dislike?
I am allergic to oysters and avocados but love everything else. I got such flak growing up in California and hating avocado!
