Transforming data into strategy, and strategy into scalable, intelligent enterprise solutions.
Data & AI Strategy Executive | Enterprise Architect | Leadership Consultant
Richard Leaton is a data, AI, and enterprise transformation leader with more than two decades of experience helping global organizations modernize operations and unlock value through technology innovation.
He has served in senior leadership roles at Deloitte, General Electric, and Hertz, where he built and led large-scale programs in data strategy, enterprise architecture, and AI transformation.
Richard’s hallmark is his ability to generate strategy, create shared vision, and execute through scalable technology solutions.
He partners with CDOs, CIOs, and business executives to unify their data ecosystems, accelerate digital modernization, and establish AI capabilities that deliver measurable business impact.
A trusted advisor and transformation architect, Richard combines executive-level vision with deep technical fluency across data management, AI/ML, generative AI, agentic systems, analytics modernization, and governance frameworks.
Richard’s background spans multiple sectors, providing a strong foundation for cross-industry consulting:
Richard is also the author of Intentional Engagement®, a leadership framework that explores how purpose, authenticity, and trust shape high-performing teams. His philosophy centers on empowering others to connect, collaborate, and innovate with clarity and intention — values that guide his approach to building intelligent organizations. Shape
Richard helps organizations:
“I bridge the gap between strategy and execution — translating business vision into data-driven, intelligent enterprise systems.”
Richard holds an MBA and advanced certifications spanning the core domains of modern data and AI leadership. His credentials reflect both strategic and technical mastery across enterprise transformation, innovation, and governance.
(Traditional, Generative, and Responsible AI)
(AWS, Azure, GCP, Databricks, Informatica)
I’ve always been a builder—at 12, I was soldering lighting consoles in my basement; today, I architect data ecosystems driving billions in value. My passion? Servant leadership—putting people first, empowering teams, and acting with intention, as detailed in my book Intentional Engagement. This philosophy has guided my 25+ years transforming organizations from the Navy to Deloitte.
As a Nuclear Power Officer on the USS Harry S. Truman, I managed reactor operations with precision, ensuring safety and efficiency under demanding conditions. Later, as Weapons Officer on the USS Chancellorsville, I oversaw armament systems, fostering a team culture of trust and collaboration.
These roles honed my technical skills and instilled a people-first mindset—empowerment was key to mission success, a lesson that fueled my love for travel across 45 countries and shaped my leadership approach.
As a published author, my book “Intentional Engagement®: Empowered Path to Culture Change” distills lessons from my career into a blueprint for thriving workplaces—connecting, empowering, and acting intentionally.
Abstract: “Intentional Engagement: Empowered Path to Culture Change” is about connecting with and empowering your workforce. It is an operational approach to creating a work environment where people want to stay and thrive. These environments do not exist by chance. They occur through intentional actions focused on the demographics of your workforce and tailored to its needs.
As Deputy Chief Data and AI Officer, I lead a $70M transformation using AWS, Azure, and Generative AI, achieving 95% data quality, 20% cost cuts, and $4M in revenue. My focus? Embedding AI ethics and inclusive governance, empowering 180,000 employees through intentional engagement.
Over 18 years, I evolved from Quality and Operations Manager to CIO for Global Learning Systems. I streamlined supply chains as a Master Black Belt, led a $50M P&L, and integrated the $10.6B GE-Alstom merger. Boosting revenue 10%, cutting training costs 15%, and lifting engagement 20% came from intentional engagement—connecting with 140+ team members across 185 countries to drive $10M in revenue.
As Director of Data Management, I spearheaded a $55M transformation, integrating Informatica MDM and Databricks. We achieved 85% data quality, $100M in revenue growth, and $5M in margins. My keynotes at Informatica conferences highlighted how empowering teams unlocks innovation—echoing my book’s core.
Together, they help clients design smarter systems, elevate human performance, and drive measurable impact across industries.
