Tech Envoy Series with Ms. Audrey Plonk, Head of Digital Economy Policy Division, OECD

On April 6, 2023, The Meridian Corporate Council hosted a Tech Envoy Series with Ms. Audrey Plonk, Head of Digital Economy Policy Division, OECD. The discussion, moderated by Puru Trivedi, Vice President - External & Corporate Relations, covered leveraging the OECD to boost digital transformation and international cooperation.

As Head of Division, Ms. Plonk is responsible for implementing the programme of work of two committees: the Committee on Digital Economy Policy (CDEP) and the Committee for Consumer Policy (CCP) as well as the management of STI’s Digital Economy Division. Prior to re-joining STI, Ms Plonk was Senior Director, Global Security Policy at Intel Corporation where she was also a Senior Director for Public Policy based in Santa Clara, California. Over the course of her more than 10 years at Intel, Audrey led a global team of policy experts focused on connectivity, data, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving policy issues. She also specialized in China cyber policy and advised Intel business and product teams on China strategy. She chaired numerous industry committees including the Cybersecurity Committee at the Information Technology and Industry Council (ITI) and the Cybersecurity subcommittee of the Trans-Atlantic Business Council (TABC) and has provided testimony multiple times before the US Congress. Ms. Plonk, an American national, holds a bachelor’s degree in international Affairs from The George Washington University (Washington, DC, United States).

In an increasingly interconnected world, digital transformation has become a critical factor in economic growth and global development. To address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era, countries are now turning to international cooperation and collaborative efforts. One of the key players in this domain is the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The OECD serves as a crucial platform for promoting international cooperation and dialogue on digital-related issues. Through forums, conferences, and working groups, member countries can exchange experiences, share best practices, and learn from each other's successes and failures in digital transformation.

Steve Kupka, King & Spalding, and Erica Franzetti, King & Spalding in conversation ahead of the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Members of the Meridian Corporate Council participate in networking ahead of the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Steve Kupka, King & Spalding, listens along during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Bijan Mehryar, Block asks a question to Ms. Plonk during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Lauren Culbertson-Grieco asks a question to Ms. Plonk during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Usman Rahim, Bank of America posits a question to Ms. Plonk during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Sarah Sakha, Meta listens along to opening remarks during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Ms. Audrey Plonk, OECD and Carolyn Wu, Apple in conversation during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Meridian Corporate Council Members gather to listen to special remarks from Ms. Audrey Plonk, during the Tech Envoy Series program on April 6, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos

Project summary

Tech Envoy Series with Ms. Audrey Plonk, Head of Digital Economy Policy Division, OECD | April 2023
Number of Visitors:	20
Number of Attendees:	20
Regions:	Africa, East Asia and Pacific, Western Hemisphere, Near East and North Africa, Europe and Eurasia, South and Central Asia
Impact Areas:	Science and Technology, Business and Trade, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Program Areas:	Diplomatic Engagement
Partners:	Public Sector, Private Sector