Karen Schuler

Karen is the BDO Principal who leads the Global Privacy & Data Protection practice, a team of over 400 professionals who help clients navigate the complex and evolving landscape of data privacy and security. Under her direction, the BDO team developed the first privacy managed services offering (Data Protection Managed Services), which allows clients to outsource their privacy functions to a dedicated and experienced team of professionals. This service helps clients reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance their data protection capabilities. Her team also established the BDO Data Protection Academy, a comprehensive training program that has educated thousands of professionals globally on data protection topics, such as GDPR, CCPA, and privacy by design. 

With 30 years of experience in investigations, data protection, and digital forensics, Karen is recognized as a leader in her field. She has investigated significant bribery, insider trading, intellectual property theft, and data breach matters impacting millions of consumers. She has also testified in various courts and regulatory proceedings. 

Karen serves as the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Global 100 and high-profile organizations, providing them with strategic guidance and operational support on data protection matters. She has successfully resolved privacy issues and fines for her clients, as well as assisted them with compliance audits and risk assessments. 

Before BDO, Karen founded one of the first digital forensics companies, held senior-level consulting and board positions, and served as a Senior Forensic Examiner for the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).

Karen has won the following awards:

• Lexology WWL, Digital & Data - Digital Forensic Experts – USA, Profile, 2024
• The Consulting Report, The Top 50 Cybersecurity Consultants and Leaders of 2023