Eric Sommerlade

Critic
DISC Type : C

Partner Research Manager at Microsoft

Greater Oxford Area, United Kingdom

Overview

Eric is a Partner Research Manager at Microsoft, leading the integration of local AI and NPU optimisation into Windows for features like Recall and Paint Cocreate. Holding a DPhil from the University of Oxford, he has a passion for taking research to product, with deep expertise in computer vision and machine learning.

He has a notable entrepreneurial background, having founded a company focused on 3D and 360-degree image capture. Before joining Microsoft, he ran R&D labs for RealD in both the US and UK.

Unique fact: Eric’s DPhil research at Oxford focused on probabilistic surveillance using multiple active cameras, laying an early foundation for his extensive work in advanced computer vision systems.

Personality Overview

Negotiator

Critic

ROI Driven

Unless the value is proven by data, they are unlikely to value fancy features.  It is very likely that they will negotiate pricing or other important terms. They prefer to do logical analysis and value evidence over emotions.

Topics They Care About

AI in Operating Systems
Leads the team responsible for integrating AI models, NPU optimisation, and features like Recall and Live Translations directly into the Windows OS.
Research to Product
A core theme of his career is commercializing research, transitioning from academic and scientist roles to leading applied science groups at Microsoft.
Computer Vision
His DPhil focused on 3D face tracking and surveillance, and he has consistently led computer vision efforts at both RealD and Microsoft.

Media Appearances

Eric has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2024
Partner Research Manager at Microsoft
2-2019 - 3-2024
Principal Research Manager at Microsoft
1-2017 - 10-2018
VP Software & Computer Vision at RealD
7-2014 - 1-2017
Lead Software Architect and Senior Scientist at RealD
8-2013 - 7-2014
Senior Scientist at RealD

Education

2007 - 2010
DPhil from University of Oxford
1995 - 2001
Diplom (TU)/MSc from Hamburg University of Technology

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 24 Location : Greater Oxford Area, United Kingdom Job Level : Middle Designation : Partner Research Manager at Microsoft
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Insights For Selling To Eric

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • If you can, show them industry reports or analyst comments instead of sharing anecdotal stories
  • Don’t forget to mention how you compare to competition on both features and pricing
  • Tell them what ROI they can expect

DONT's

  • Don’t try too hard to build a relationship with them
  • Avoid pushing them too much to involve other stakeholders unless it is critical
  • Do not use very emotional or colorful language

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Eric is

  • Strong evidence of ROI, effective pricing, and proven data points matter the most to them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Eric

  • It is not very hard for them to say no if they are not convinced about the decision.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Eric move?

  • Their decision-making is neither very fast nor very slow, they are somewhere in between.
  • Can Eric take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if their analysis shows that it would be worth it.

You And Eric

Personality Compatibility


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