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Dr Leon Hawthorne

Dr. Leon Hawthorne is a media executive working at the intersection of content, commerce, and technology.  As of September 1, 2025, he serves as a Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media Production at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture. This role builds on his 2024 doctoral research, which explored how generative AI can be used to create anthropomorphic avatars—often referred to as “virtual humans”—as interfaces for human-computer interaction.

Booking is easy with Great British Talent. To find out availability and fees for Dr. Leon Hawthorne or any other talent for your corporate event or project, contact our Great British Talent agents via [email protected], or call us on +44 1753 439289. Alternatively, fill out our talent enquiry form here . We’ll aim to respond within the hour. Our knowledgeable team of experts can handle all aspects of your booking to ensure it runs flawlessly.

Type Of Speaker

A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) Business & Finance Future of Work Futurist Gen Z Keynote Moderators & Facilitators Speaker STEM Stem

More About Dr Leon Hawthorne

Before moving into academia, Dr. Leon Hawthorne was a World News Anchor for CNN International and CNBC Europe.

He later became Founder and CEO of two UK satellite TV channels, The Baby Channel and Simply TV, and went on to create several single-genre web channels, including Health Zone, Book Zone, and Beauty Zone. After selling his businesses, he advised CEOs at organisations such as Hearst Magazines, The Independent, the London Evening Standard, and Boots.com on digital content strategy.

He now advises clients on generative artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on using audio-visual content to communicate with consumers. His core strength lies in developing commercial content strategies that prioritise user engagement. His PhD research was multidisciplinary, drawing on Human-Computer Interaction, Business, Journalism, and Social Psychology.

Dr Leon Hawthorne hire media speaker book at agent Great British Speakers

His 2024 thesis, “Talking Heads: The Use of Virtual Human Presenters for the Delivery of News Content,” examined how photo-realistic, computer-generated characters—also known as AI avatars or digital humans—can act as interfaces between data and users.

In discussing this work, he emphasises that news delivery was chosen because it demands high levels of trust, authority, and audience engagement.

The findings, however, extend far beyond journalism. They are directly applicable to any organisation looking to use AI avatars in place of text-based chatbots—whether as customer service agents, AI doctors, tutors, or other forms of digital presenters.

Dr Leon Hawthorne hire media speaker book at agent Great British Speakers

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book Dr. Leon Hawthorne for your corporate event. 

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Testimonials

“Dr. Leon Hawthorne is at the forefront of AI in media. His illuminating research on digital avatars proves that context is everything, identifying where AI succeeds or fails. He combines academic rigour with broadcast-ready delivery”.

– Graham Page – Global Managing Director,  Media Analytics at iMotions

“Leon was a first-class World News Anchor for CNBC Europe, a polished professional, providing journalistic rigour, fairness and energy to his broadcasts. His pivot to business and academia makes him a rare commodity as someone who knows his stuff and how to communicate it”. –

– Patricia Falco Beccalli, Founding Partner at Falco Global Partner

“Copenhagen University students gave an enthusiastic response to Leon’s insights on the digital media landscape. From transmedia storytelling to the future of branded content, Leon’s guest lectures provided a sophisticated, forward-looking perspective that challenged and inspired our attendees”. 

–Kasper Bering Liisberg. Associate Professor of Communication. Copenhagen University

Get In Touch

[email protected]
01753 439 289

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