Richard James Thomas CBE is known for his tenure as Information Commissioner of the United Kingdom, a post which he held from December 2002 to June 2009.
[2][3] During his time in office, he raised concerns over the increased use of closed-circuit television (CCTV)[4] and the introduction of ID Cards[5] in the UK.
[8][9] In his early career, he worked as an articled clerk and solicitor with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (from 1971) and the Citizens Advice Bureau, Notting Hill (from 1974).
He then went on to work in legal and public affairs positions with the National Consumer Council (from 1979) and the Office of Fair Trading.
[10] Thomas was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2009 Birthday Honours "for public service".