Dr. Leon Hawthorne
I help boards and business leaders translate emerging technologies into commercial advantage, leveraging decades of media and technology experience capped by doctoral research in the use of GenAI in digital media. As a former World News Anchor for CNN International and CNBC Europe, I went on to found and lead two satellite TV channels, three cable VOD channels, and a dozen web channels. Having advised the CEOs of Hearst UK, The Independent, and Boots.com on their digital strategies, I now serve as Director of a pioneering master’s programme in AI and Digital Media Production at Cardiff University. Additionally, I am a Non-Executive Director of ScreenSkills, the industry-backed body coordinating training for the UK's film, TV, animation, VFX, and video games sectors.
AI innovation, digital enterprise.
Leon is at the forefront of GenAI technology in both academic and commercial fields.
AI startups
Working with venture capitalists, investors, and founders incubating startups, advising boards to leverage digital technology and grow breakthrough businesses.
GenAI avatars
Core expertise in advising clients on the use of digital avatars as a human-computer interface—maximising engagement, trustworthiness, and credibility.
Cardiff University
Director of the master's programme in AI & Digital Media Production at a leading Russell Group university. Launched a pioneering degree that blends technology, creativity, and business.
Doctoral research
Earned a 2024 PhD from City, University of London for a thesis titled: 'Talking Heads: The use of virtual human presenters for the delivery of news content'.
Building channels, audiences, and media brands.
Before advising boards on digital change, Leon founded and led television ventures across parenting, books, theatre, lifestyle, and online media.
Baby Channel
Founder and CEO of the world's first parenting television channel, launched across UK satellite, cable, and web platforms.
Theatreland TV
CEO of the web and cable channel covering London's West End theatre and performance scene.
Book Zone TV
CEO of a television channel devoted to books, authors, and literary culture.
Simply TV
CEO of a satellite television channel and web portal used to showcase multiple single-genre lifestyle channels, including health, beauty, and entertainment.
CNBC Europe
Leon was a World News Anchor for the business channel, covering global political and economic affairs.
CNN International
Leon was a World News Anchor for CNN International, based at the Atlanta headquarters, where he hosted 1,200+ prime-time episodes.
Selected Thinking
VIEW INSIGHTS
Free speech and democratic resilience
My paper addressing the crisis of free speech in the UK, including a draft UK Freedom of Speech Act 2026.
Misinformation in the AI age
I put a libertarian viewpoint to UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming in a discussion on misinformation and AI.
Talking Heads
Would you trust an AI news anchor? Listen to AI-generated podcast discussing the subject of my 2024 doctoral thesis.
Gen AI Stories
Editorial content on the impact of AI on the market and society.
Leon's Blog
Archive video expositions on a range of social and economic issues.
Corporate Advisory Work
ScreenSkills
Leon serves as a Non-Executive Director and Trustee of ScreenSkills Limited.
AI & Digital Strategy
Advises CEOs of media, retail, and consumer-facing companies on digital transformation.