CMI Media Group Promotes Leanne Smith to Privacy Chief

The veteran executive will oversee enterprise-wide data governance and compliance for CMI Media Group and Compas.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a stone plinth with a geometric lattice, representing the complexity of corporate data privacy governance. — CMI Media Group and Compas have appointed Leanne Smith as Chief Data Privacy Officer to lead enterprise-wide regulatory compliance efforts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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CMI Media Group and Compas have promoted Leanne Smith to the newly created role of Chief Data Privacy Officer. Smith will lead the integration of data technologies while managing compliance with international privacy regulations.

Why it matters

The appointment aims to strengthen enterprise governance as the companies navigate an increasingly complex global regulatory landscape for data management.

Leanne Smith brings 25 years of total industry experience to the role, having spent 20 of those years with the companies. Her previous leadership saw the Data Analytics team size nearly double in headcount.

The players

Leanne Smith

Leanne Smith is the newly appointed Chief Data Privacy Officer who has spent two decades with the organization.

CMI Media Group

CMI Media Group is a WPP company that focuses on healthcare marketing and data-driven communications.

Compas

Compas is a minority-owned-and-operated agency that has been in operation for 35 years.

The details

In her new capacity, Smith oversees the enterprise privacy program and a diverse team responsible for automation, reporting, and data management. Her mandate specifically covers adherence to HIPAA, GDPR, and CCPA regulatory frameworks.

The promotion of Leanne Smith was officially announced on October 21, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment reflects a broader industry trend where agencies prioritize specialized executive oversight to meet the stringent demands of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By centralizing privacy governance, the firm positions itself to maintain competitive compliance standards against global industry rivals.

For clients and partners, this leadership change signifies a renewed focus on data security and operational transparency. Customers can expect continued adherence to privacy standards as the firm integrates its data technologies under the new privacy office.

The takeaway

Companies are increasingly viewing data privacy as a core executive function rather than just a legal formality. This shift emphasizes the necessity of internal governance to manage the diverse regulatory demands of modern business operations.