- Advised a multinational company specializing in industrial technology innovation on a wide range of privacy and data protection matters across its global footprint, supporting the company’s efforts to maintain compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks and industry standards. Provided support to the client’s multi-phased global human resources (HR) transformation initiative, which involves the modernization of HR systems, processes, and data governance across countries. Assisted in the development of contractual frameworks for the secure and compliant sharing of personal data with third-party vendors, reinforcing trust and accountability in the client’s extended enterprise ecosystem.
- Advised a global enterprise specializing in health, wellness, and lifestyle solutions on strategic compliance with the NIS2 Directive and associated data security frameworks. Conducted a comprehensive assessment of cybersecurity governance, risk management protocols, and operational resilience measures. This included aligning the client’s digital infrastructure and data protection practices with evolving European regulatory standards, ensuring robust safeguards and sustainable compliance across its global operations.
- Assisted a quick-service restaurant chain with a broad spectrum of privacy and data protection matters critical to its European market entry. This included the design and implementation of robust contractual frameworks for the lawful and secure sharing of personal data with third-party vendors and group affiliates across global jurisdictions. Wim also guided the client through the evolving regulatory restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within its organizational processes.
- Supported a globally active investment adviser with the design and execution of a comprehensive EU privacy and data protection program, ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) across its European operations. This included advising on the development of a robust data transfer strategy, enabling secure and lawful cross-border data flows between the EU and other jurisdictions. Wim also advised the client on its approach to AI governance and regulatory compliance in Europe.
- Advised a manufacturer of advanced security video products on strategic regulatory compliance matters related to the EU AI Act and the EU Data Act, with a focus on assessing the potential impact of these transformative legislative frameworks on the company’s operations across Europe.
- Advised a producer of industrial process fluids and specialty chemical solutions on the implementation of a robust contractual framework to support cross-border data transfers, ensuring compliance with international data protection standards and facilitating secure, lawful data flows across its global operations.
- Assisted a global provider of shipping, logistics, and supply chain solutions in assessing the potential impact of the EU Data Act on its business activities in Europe. This included evaluating obligations related to data access, sharing, and portability, and counseling on operational adjustments to align with the EU Data Act’s requirements.
- Represented a multinational manufacturer of sports apparel and footwear in various matters, including innovative marketing initiatives, privacy in the context of wearables, and compliance with the GDPR.
- Advised a private bank and investment services provider on EU data protection compliance matters, including the provisions of anti-money laundering services and the cross-border transfer of personal data.
- Counseled a multinational human resources consulting firm on the implementation of GDPR compliance measures and the launch of a new talent management system.
- Represented a global provider of business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services on all aspects of EU data protection law.
Wim Nauwelaerts
Partner,
- Phone: +32 2 486 8822
- Other Phone: +1 202 239 3709
- Email: wim.nauwelaerts@alston.com
Wim is a trusted advisor to multinational companies on EU privacy, cybersecurity, and digital regulation – particularly in moments where judgment matters more than theory. His work spans GDPR risk and enforcement exposure, cyber incidents, AI driven transformation, and complex cross border data strategies.
Wim Nauwelaerts is the partner-in-charge of Alston & Bird’s Brussels office, leading the firm’s European Privacy, Cyber & Data Strategy Team.
A veteran in his field, Wim brings more than 25 years of experience serving as the EU regulatory lead for clients operating across Europe. He works closely with in-house legal, privacy, security, and technology teams on GDPR, ePrivacy, AI Act, Data Act, NIS2, DORA, and DSA with a consistent focus on practical, defensible outcomes that hold up under regulatory scrutiny.
Wim frequently advises clients in data-intensive and regulated industries, including automotive and mobility, consumer products, food and beverage, financial services and fintech life sciences, technology and digital platforms.
Clients rely on Wim for clear, executive level guidance on how much risk is acceptable, where controls truly matter, and when to proceed, recalibrate, or stop. He is known for translating complex EU regulatory frameworks into actionable options that align with business strategy, investment timelines, and real world operating models – particularly in sensitive contexts such as enforcement risk, major digital initiatives, technology transformation projects, cyber incidents, and cross border data strategies.
Languages
- Dutch
- English
- French
Bar Admissions
- Antwerp and Brussels, Belgium
Education
- University of Georgia (LL.M., 1994)
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (J.D., 1992)
Memberships
- International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP)
Accolades
- Chambers Europe – TMT: Data Protection, Belgium (2012 – present)
- The Best Lawyers in Belgium® – Privacy and Data Security Law (2020 – present)
- The Legal 500 – EU regulatory: Privacy and data protection
- Cybersecurity Docket’s “Incident Response Elite” (2026)
- BTI Consulting Group – “Client Service All-Star”
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Cyber Lawyers (2024 – present)
Wim Nauwelaerts, Technology & Privacy partner, describes how Alston & Bird meets the needs of banks and financial institutions with combined experience in financial services, privacy and data security.