Yves Schwarzbart

Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at IAB UK

Schwarzbart is known for representing the UK digital advertising industry in regulatory and policy debates, particularly around GDPR, UK data protection reform, and the evolving rules governing AdTech and online tracking.

Standards SetterLondon, United Kingdom10+ years in industry

Last updated Jun 11, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment

Bio

Yves Schwarzbart is one of the UK digital advertising industry's leading policy experts, serving as Head of Policy & Regulatory Affairs at IAB UK — the trade body that represents the interests of the online advertising ecosystem in the United Kingdom. In this role, he is a central figure in shaping how the industry navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment, engaging directly with bodies such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on issues ranging from GDPR compliance to the future of digital identity and the open web. Schwarzbart has been particularly active in the post-Brexit data protection landscape, helping the UK AdTech industry understand and respond to divergences between UK GDPR and EU GDPR, as well as the implications of the UK's Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill. He has been a consistent advocate for workable, proportionate regulation that protects consumers while enabling a sustainable digital advertising market, and is frequently cited in industry commentary on consent frameworks, cookie compliance, and privacy-preserving technologies. As a thought leader and industry spokesperson, Schwarzbart regularly speaks at major AdTech and digital marketing conferences, contributes to policy consultations, and helps IAB UK members understand their regulatory obligations. His work sits at the intersection of law, technology, and commercial practice, making him a trusted bridge between regulators and the businesses that depend on digital advertising.

Previous Roles

Policy Manager

IAB UK (prior to current role)

Expertise

GDPR and UK Data Protection LawDigital Advertising RegulationPrivacy and Consent FrameworksCookie ComplianceIdentity ResolutionProgrammatic Advertising PolicyCompetition and Consumer RegulationIndustry Self-Regulation

Notable Achievements

Led IAB UK's regulatory engagement with the ICO and CMA on digital advertising and data protection matters
Played a key role in shaping the UK AdTech industry's response to post-Brexit data protection reform including the DPDI Bill
Represented IAB UK in consultations on cookie consent, online tracking, and privacy-preserving advertising technologies

Speaking Topics

UK and EU GDPR divergence and implications for AdTechThe future of digital identity and cookie alternativesRegulatory engagement strategies for digital advertisersCompetition regulation and the open webConsent and transparency in programmatic advertising

Publications

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