30572_Kao Data Critical Careers_Pages - Flipbook - Page 44
Emma Fryer
Director of Public Policy Europe,
CyrusOne
Can you share your journey into the data
centre industry?
onestly, if you had asked me back in my late teens about my future
career, “data centre” would not have made the list. Yet, here I am,
thoroughly enjoying this sector. I stumbled into it quite by accident,
like many others have as well.
H
For years, I navigated the complex landscape between a highly technical,
rapidly evolving, and somewhat secretive industry, and the media and
policymakers on the outside. I spent seven and a half years at TechUK as an
Associate Director. My role was to advocate for the UK data centre sector
with the government and other stakeholders.
My efforts were categorised into three primary areas: resisting harmful
regulatory developments, easing burdensome compliance requirements,
and facilitating effective communication between policymakers, the media,
and the industry. This involved spearheading policy dialogues on diverse
issues such as cybersecurity and generator emissions, regularly brie昀椀ng the
media, and producing a wide range of thought leadership and regulatory
guidance materials. I led signi昀椀cant policy initiatives, such as the Data
Centre Climate Change Agreement. I also secured key worker status,
protection for construction sites and quarantine exemptions for our staff
during COVID-19.
Now, as the Director of Public Policy for Europe at CyrusOne, I bring all my
past experiences into a role that perfectly suits this stage in my career. I’ve
often said this is my last job—a role I aspired to and one that, perhaps in
another industry, I couldn’t have reached in just 12 years. In this industry,
policy experts are rare, making me a scarce asset, regardless of being male
or female. Throughout my time here, I’ve felt highly valued. I truly believe
this is a sector that cherishes its female staff.
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