About
Commercial leadership, built on the ground across Asia-Pacific
A commercial leader who has worked on the ground in more than twenty countries, across software, media intelligence and digital platforms.
Lived and worked
- LondonUnited Kingdom
- AucklandNew Zealand
- SingaporeSingapore
- Kuala LumpurMalaysia
- ChicagoUnited States
- SydneyAustralia, now
Short biography
Leon Hudson is a commercial leader who has operated on the ground in more than twenty countries, with Asia-Pacific at the centre of his career. Having lived in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore, he understands the region in a way that flying in and out can't teach: how decisions actually get made, how trust is earned and why an approach that lands in one market can stall in the next.
He has led businesses end to end, from founder-led challengers to operations inside global groups. Most recently he was Managing Director of an Australian and New Zealand media intelligence software business inside a global group, having joined as Chief Commercial Officer after its acquisition. He led its artificial intelligence transformation, including the launch of an AI product suite.
Earlier, he led global sales and marketing for a founder-led stock content and design platform across 16 markets, and ran a media intelligence business across Southeast Asia, building commercial teams that genuinely read, wrote and sold in local languages.
Approach
How I lead
I bring a player-coach approach: set the direction, own the numbers, build the team, and stay close to customers and execution.
I'm an all-in leader who values accountability, clear thinking, strong teams and measurable outcomes. I enjoy solving the problems that sit between a strong product and a scalable business, from go-to-market execution to pricing, customer expansion, profitability, international growth and commercialising new technology such as artificial intelligence. I develop leaders from within.
That international perspective has taught me to adapt quickly without losing commercial discipline.
Areas of expertiseNext chapter
What I'm looking for
I'm interested in senior commercial leadership roles with technology businesses ready for their next stage of growth: founder-led and challenger businesses in Australia and New Zealand, and global technology companies building across Asia-Pacific.
Recognition
Recognition and community
- Gold Award, International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of CommunicationFor measurement work delivered for Shell Singapore
- Guest lecturerAuckland University of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology and the University of Waikato
- Panellist, Corporate Affairs Summit, 2026
- Co-founder, BrainGainers.orgA New Zealand community for returnees with ongoing ties to Asia
- BSc (Hons) PoliticsUniversity of Plymouth
Beyond work
A little more about me
I'm a husband, father, son and grandson. I spent 12 years based in Malaysia and Singapore, with a stretch in Chicago, before returning to New Zealand in 2020. I'm now based in Sydney.
I'm an early riser who likes to hit the gym and go for a run while listening to great music, and I have a lifelong appetite for adventure.
Get in touch
For executive search, hiring and board conversations, or to reconnect, message me on LinkedIn. I reply personally.