About

A US-qualified lawyer, Denise Farnsworth has exceptional industry experience, following a decade and a half at technology giant, Microsoft, and six years in Apple’s legal department. Arriving at Microsoft in 2000, Denise first joined the company as a paralegal; she went on to take charge of various US and worldwide legal functions before being named Ireland’s head of legal, data privacy and compliance officer in 2012. With Ireland holding a significant place in Microsoft’s global operations, Farnsworth’s responsibilities stretch far beyond the domestic market. She also oversees the business’ European Development Centre, Data Centre and the Operations Centre for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Farnsworth has worked closely with the business in dealings with government bodies across multiple jurisdictions. Outside the legal realm she is also Microsoft Ireland’s cultural diversity lead and a regular guest lecturer and speaker on a variety of issues, emphasising the impact she has on both the company and a wider in-house legal community. She also uses her reputation to make active contributions to discourse through positions on industry groups, including: the Society for Computers and Law’s Irish chapter; the Ireland Chamber of Commerce General Counsel Forum and the Data Working Group of Ireland’s Department of the Taoiseach.