Simon Speck

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Chief Technology Officer at Merlin Entertainments

Greater Newport Area, United Kingdom

Overview

Simon is the CTO at Merlin Entertainments, an innovative technology leader with a dynamic background in programming, architecture, and strategy across the airline, insurance, and entertainment sectors. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Staffordshire University. Colleagues describe him as a well-rounded, credible leader with a cool head in a crisis.

Outside of his executive role, Simon is a family man who recently celebrated his 29th wedding anniversary with his wife, Helen. He uses his platform to support his family, such as sharing a post to help his son find work, demonstrating a close personal connection.

Unique fact: Simon has been exploring creative collaborations with artificial intelligence, including a recent project focused on co-authoring with AI.

Personality Overview

Persuasive

Assertive

Friendly But Fast

They prefer to ensure that they are in control of the situation.  They are not against taking risks and can make tough decisions when required.
 A combination of speed and relationship gets the best response from them.

Topics They Care About

Technology Strategy
His career includes roles as CTO and Head of Strategy, focusing on high-level technology planning and execution to drive business outcomes.
Digital Transformation
He has a proven track record of transforming businesses by developing and executing powerful digital strategies tailored to industry needs.
Cloud & AI
Explicitly states his focus on leveraging cloud and AI advancements to achieve significant business results in his current and past roles.

Media Appearances

Simon has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2025
Chief Technology Officer at Merlin Entertainments
6-2022 - 10-2025
CTO at Direct Line Group
5-2021 - 7-2022
Head of Strategy, Data and Architecture at Virgin Atlantic
4-2020 - 7-2022
Head of Strategy and Architecture at Virgin Atlantic
6-2017 - 4-2020
Principal Enterprise Architect at Virgin Atlantic

Education

1992 - 1996
Bachelor of Science (BSc) from Staffordshire University
1992 - 1996
BSc (Hons) from Staffordshire University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 9 Location : Greater Newport Area, United Kingdom Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Technology Officer at Merlin Entertainments
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Insights For Selling To Simon

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them visualize the impact of their decision
  • Showcase existing customers and use case-studies to grab their attention
  • Address your competition clearly and confidently

DONT's

  • Do not look like someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product
  • Don't make any commitments that you might not be able to fulfill

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Simon is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Simon

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no though in a friendly way.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Simon move?

  • They can make decisions quickly if they develop trust in you and conviction in the product.
  • Can Simon take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they will be ready to take risks.

You And Simon

Personality Compatibility


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