The European Commission has appointed Cypriot and Greek national Despina Spanou as Deputy Director-General in charge of the Directorate for Cybersecurity and Trust at the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). This Commission department develops and implements policies to make Europe fit for the digital age.
According to a Commission press release, with over 25 years of experience in the EU executive, Spanou offers extensive expertise in cybersecurity policy, consumer protection, and digital transformation. She has a deep understanding of the EU’s institutional architecture and decision-making processes, combined with strong management experience leading diverse teams and major policy initiatives in cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Spanou has consistently demonstrated excellence in stakeholder engagement, policy design, and coordination, as well as in steering complex legislative negotiations. She led the negotiations for the Cybersecurity Act and the EU Cybersecurity Blueprint, and played a central role in creating the EU Cybersecurity Skills Academy and the Women4Cyber initiative. Her broad experience and proven leadership make her well placed to contribute decisively to DG CNECT’s work, the press release said.
Despina Spanou is currently Principal Adviser for cybersecurity and cross-cutting issues at DG CNECT and has previously served as Head of Cabinet to former Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, Director for Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity at DG CNECT, and Director for Consumers at the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers (DG JUST). Earlier, she was Deputy Head of Cabinet to Commissioners Markos Kyprianou and Androulla Vassiliou. Before joining the European Commission in 2003, she worked for a law firm.
The date of effect of the European Commission's decision will be determined at a later stage.
(Source: CNA)
