Leighton Searle

Observer
DISC Type : ci

Chief Executive Officer at Cloud Direct

Bath, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Leighton Searle is the CEO of Cloud Direct, a leading Microsoft partner, bringing extensive experience in executive leadership, AI, and cloud computing. He is known for driving transformative business outcomes through data and AI.

He is an AI optimist who believes in responsibly deployed innovation to amplify human potential, leading with clarity, high standards, and deep care for people.

Leighton joined Microsoft when his eldest child was two, and his youngest, who turns 18 soon, has literally grown up alongside his Microsoft career.

Personality Overview

Assertive

Value Driven

Curious

They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince.  They ask a lot of questions and rely heavily on information and collaterals. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.

Topics They Care About

AI Driven Transformation
As CEO of Cloud Direct and former Worldwide Head of CDO Advisors at Microsoft, Leighton focuses on empowering enterprises to achieve transformative business outcomes using data and AI.
Cloud Computing Leadership
He possesses strong skills in Cloud Computing and Microsoft Azure, having led Azure Solutions UK and now Cloud Direct, a prominent Microsoft partner.
People Development
Leighton emphasizes deep care for people and building teams where professionals can do their best work, as seen in his recent posts about team expansion and reflections on leadership.

Media Appearances

Leighton Searle appointed as CEO to drive new phase of AI …. Featured in Cloud Direct

See Now

Leighton Searle on Cloud Direct's next chapter: delivering human‑led AI‑powered outcomes that matter. Featured in Technology Record

See Now

Former Microsoft leader named CEO at Cloud Direct. Featured in BusinessCloud

See Now

Work History

12-2025
Chief Executive Officer at Cloud Direct
7-2025 - 12-2025
Worldwide Head of CDO Advisors (GBB) at Microsoft
1-2024 - 8-2025
Head of Data and AI: Europe Middle East and Africa at Microsoft
1-2019 - 1-2024
Director of Azure Solutions UK at Microsoft
7-2017 - 12-2018
Sector Director Professional Services at Microsoft

Education

1997 - 2000
BSc from Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
1988 - 1995
Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Churchill Community School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 25 Location : Bath, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Executive Officer at Cloud Direct
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Leighton

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them questions to understand their needs better while staying affable
  • Invite them for a social do but don’t rely solely on the relationship
  • Focus on immediate action-items rather than the larger goals

DONT's

  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points
  • Don’t rely excessively on your relationship with them to win the deal
  • Avoid making offhand commitments

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Leighton is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Leighton

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Leighton move?

  • They like to perform full analysis and can take time to make any decision.
  • Can Leighton take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Leighton

Personality Compatibility


More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.