Microsoft MVP | AI & Fabric Specialist for Business Transformation | Helping Enterprises Unlock ROI with Azure, Copilot & Power BI | Forbes Tech | Keynote Speaker | CEO, Onyx Data

Strategic Data & AI Leader | Microsoft MVP | Oxford AI Strategist 

I bridge the gap between technical complexity and Board-level strategy. With nearly 15 years of experience, I have delivered over £93M in revenue growth for global enterprises by transforming data estates into high-velocity strategic assets.

Global Authority & Scalable Insight: 

LinkedIn Learning Instructor: Author of "How to Build and Execute a Successful Data Strategy," an industry-standard framework used by 10,000+ global learners (4.5/5 rating). 
Industry Recognition: Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Forbes Technology Council member, and Gartner Community Ambassador. 
Academic Rigor: Currently calibrating enterprise AI risk and leadership at the University of Oxford (Saïd Business School).

The "Onyx Methodology" in Action:  I help organisations move past "AI Hype" to achieve Operational Utility. Whether leading a global practice of 60+ consultants or advising the C-suite on £200TB+ migrations, my focus is on de-risking technology investments to drive EBITDA.

Core Specialisms:  AI Strategy & Governance (Purview) | Microsoft Fabric & Databricks Architecture | Data Monetisation | High-Performance Team Scaling.

Let’s connect,  I’m focused on the intersection of AI Ethics, Enterprise Strategy, and high-stakes Data Leadership. Always open to discussing the future of our industry with fellow Partners and Architects.

Leon Gordon

Az-Tec Talent

After a successful 4.5 years in recruitment I have founded my own business, Az-Tec Talent.

During my time in the industry I have noticed a flaw in the recruitment landscape, I consistently have seen and heard recruiters resourcing for roles where they have absolutely no clue what the candidates they are placing are doing on a day to day and have very little understanding of the technical requirements outside of a few key words.

This is what I am looking to change, at Az-Tec we are certified in the technologies we recruit for, which gives confidence to our candidates and clients that they are working with a recruiter that has an in-depth understanding of needs on both sides.

Our specialist networks built up over many years give us the confidence to deliver great talent, on a contract and permanent basis for businesses that are utilizing the latest Azure Cloud technologies across Infrastructure, Data, Software Development and Business Change.

Find out more here: https://www.az-tec.cloud/

Founder & Director

Azzurro Associates

In my role as a Data Engineer at Azzurro Associates I am leveraging modern data platform technologies including Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, Azure DevOps PySpark and SparkSQL to build ETL pipelines, reports and ingest data from external sources.

Currently the projects I am involved with include: Helping to implement Purview for Data Governance across Azzurro's Data estate, introducing sensitivity labels and rules etc, Moving to a new normalized data model, switching on/using Unity Catalogue, and an API Build to streamline the ingestion of data from external sources.

Data Engineer

Billigence

Ad-Hoc support for the internal talent team at Billigence via Az-Tec Talent whilst the internal talent manager is on extended leave.

Talent Aquisition Partner

Orbition Group

As the Head of Project Solutions at Orbition, I am dedicated to partnering with our clients to ensure seamless execution of our Project Solutions portfolio, encompassing temporary contract hires, statement of work engagements, and comprehensive team assemblies.

dr@orbitiongroup.com

https://orbitiongroup.com/

Head of Project Solutions

Venturi

Senior Cloud Data and Analytics Consultant

Cloud Data & Analytics Consultant

Helping connect London's Top Data Talent at Venturi ltd - The UK's Fastest Growing Tech Agency

Our approach is unique, innovative and thorough always with strong emphasis on looking at the long-term in the way that we build and retain relationships.

www.venturi-group.com.

BI, Data Platform & Analytics Specialties: 
> SQL Server 2000 - 2017
> SQL Azure, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, Stream Analytics, Cortana Suite, CosmosDB, Azure Analysis Services.
> Microsoft BI - SSIS/SSRS/SSAS/Performance Suite
> PowerBI (PowerPivot/PowerView/PowerQuery/PowerMap)
> Master Data Management (MDM/MDS)
> QlikView / Tableau
> Big Data / Analytics / Insight Analysis / Data Science / NoSQL R, MongoDB, Tableau, Hadoop, R, Python, Apache, Spark, Kakfa, Scala, Spark, Python,
> ML & IoT

If you are currently looking for your next opportunity in IT contracting or, alternatively, if you are looking to hire, please do not hesitate to contact me on deren.ridley@venturi-group.com or 020 313 7005.

Outside of work I have a wide range of interests. I enjoy playing Ice Hockey as well as being an avid Sports Car enthusiast, I am also very interested in computer technology and enjoy building and maintaining my own PCs

Cloud Data & Analytics Associate

During my first Year at Venturi, I worked as a Client Delivery consultant Resourcing Contract positions for Key Accounts, During this time I built up a strong network of Candidates that allowed me to deliver in my next position as a 360 Consultant.

Client Delivery Consultant (Data & Analytics)

USW Clothing

Co-Founder

As the Founder & Director of Az-Tec Talent, I am dedicated to partnering with our clients to ensure seamless execution of our Talent Solutions portfolio, encompassing temporary contract hires, permanent hires and comprehensive team assemblies.

With a commitment to excellence, I have a consistent track record of success over the past half-decade, offering agile project resource solutions that span the spectrum – from single contractors addressing urgent requirements to the orchestration of full-scale cloud project teams.

Whether your organization is currently planning a cloud transformation, data & analytics project or seeking expert guidance, I am eager to connect with you. Let's explore how Az-Tec Talent’s expertise can ensure your project suceeds.

Feel free to reach out to me at dr@az-tec.cloud to connect.

Discover more here - https://www.az-tec.cloud

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Leon Gordon

Deren Ridley

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