Our Leadership
A Unique Blend of Expertise
“We founded Aetos to make an elite level of expertise accessible, providing pragmatic and strategic guidance that helps ambitious companies thrive in a complex regulatory world.”
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Shayne Adler
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
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Michael Adler
CO-FOUNDER & CPO
Michael Adler
Co-Founder & Chief Privacy Officer
Michael brings a unique blend of high-stakes legal experience and deep insight into technology and national security to the compliance arena. A highly educated professional, Mike holds a BA in International Relations from Michigan State University, an MPA in National Security Studies from George Washington University, a JD from Vanderbilt University, and an M.St. in Entrepreneurship from Cambridge University (King's College). This diverse academic background underpins his ability to dissect multifaceted regulatory challenges from every angle.
He has been on the front lines with tech startups, grappling with real-world compliance issues in the fast-moving tech sector. His prior roles as a federal defender, a federal judicial clerk, and at prestigious firms like Dechert and Kirkland & Ellis showcase his formidable legal analytical skills. Significantly, Mike's time as a civilian intelligence officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, focusing on Islamic extremism in East Africa, provided him with unparalleled insights into critical information security and risk management – invaluable experience for advising on areas like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 readiness.
For Aetos Clients: Mike applies his legal background to provide the strategic perspective crucial for mitigating regulatory risk and building resilient compliance frameworks. His experience, particularly in the tech sector, means he understands the nuances of cutting-edge challenges like AI governance and data privacy. Mike guides clients through intricate regulatory landscapes, ensuring their compliance strategies are not only logically sound but also practically effective and forward-thinking.
Key Expertise
Technology Transactions
Corporate Compliance Strategy
Education & Publications
University of Cambridge (King’s College), Judge Business School - M.St. in Entrepreneurship
Juris Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Law - A Pathway for Competitive Advantage Through GDPR Compliance (Cambridge University dissertation, 2023) - white paper publication forthcoming
Vanderbilt University - J.D. with a certificate in Law & Business
George Washington University - M.P.A. with a concentration in National Security Studies
James Madison Honors College (Michigan State University) - B.A. in International Relations
“By leveraging a Privacy-Principles-by-Design approach... B2B entrepreneurs can structure their data processing activities in alignment with the principles of GDPR, which is a far more achievable goal than the practical impossibility of complying with the entirety of the GDPR’s requirements.”
Shayne Adler
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Shayne is the operational and strategic powerhouse behind Aetos, bringing a keen eye for efficiency and governance to the intricate world of compliance. With a BA in Art History from Columbia University and a JD, Shayne honed her understanding of complex systems and meticulous detail. While admitted to the New York bar, her path veered towards non-profit operations, where she mastered the art of managing intricate systems and diverse stakeholders.
Her entrepreneurial spirit truly took flight with her MBA from the University of Michigan, equipping her with the incisive business acumen necessary to tackle the operational complexities of compliance for Aetos's clients. Shayne's extensive experience serving on non-profit boards since 1999 further underscores her deep understanding of governance, ethical frameworks, and the practical implementation of robust systems.
For Aetos Clients: Shayne translates complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable operational strategies. She excels at designing bespoke compliance frameworks that integrate seamlessly into your business, ensuring efficiency without compromising on rigor. Her approach helps growing companies not just meet obligations, but build a sustainable culture of compliance that drives value.
Key Expertise
Compliance Program Management
Technology & Operations Strategy
Certification Preparation & Audits
Agile Project Management
Education
University of Michigan, Ross School of Business - M.B.A. with High Honors with concentrations in Technology & Operations and Management & Organizations
University of California School of Law - J.D.
Columbia University - B.A. with Honors in Art History
Certifications include: ISO 27001 Foundations (CIS F); IAPP AI Governance Training; Understanding ISO Security Standards for Your Organization; Cisco Customer Success Manager; Project Management