From teaching himself to code websites during the early internet boom to leading Oracle New Zealand, Jason Langley has built a career shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and technology.
Could you briefly walk us through your background, your career to date, and what you enjoy outside of work?
Jason’s path into technology wasn’t exactly planned.
“I started off studying law and media at university, and I absolutely hated it – it bored me to tears,” he says. After pivoting away from law, he moved into computer sales before building a career spanning internet solutions, enterprise technology, and executive leadership.
During the late ’90s internet boom, Jason also taught himself website design and coding, working on projects for brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Vodafone. “At one point I thought, ‘Actually, I can probably build this stuff myself,’ so I taught myself design, taught myself to code websites.”
That curiosity eventually led to leadership roles at HP, Ingram Micro New Zealand, and now Oracle New Zealand. “The common thread through all of it has been technology. It’s been a really rewarding industry to build a career in.”
Outside of work, Jason plays golf – “badly,” as he puts it – along with mountain biking, paddleboarding, and spending time with his two cavoodles.
In a nutshell, what does your role as Managing Director of Oracle New Zealand involve?
As Managing Director of Oracle New Zealand, Jason leads the local cloud infrastructure and database business, working closely with enterprise organisations, government, and public sector leaders across the country.
“A big focus is building awareness around areas of Oracle that people don’t traditionally associate with us,” he explains. That includes customer engagement, speaking at industry events, and helping organisations navigate evolving AI conversations.
Looking ahead, what does Oracle globally want to achieve over the next 1-3 years – and how does Oracle New Zealand play into that?
For Jason, AI will heavily shape the next few years.
“AI feels like an inflection point moment,” he says. “If you compare it to something like the industrial revolution, those changes unfolded over decades. AI is evolving at a much faster pace.” Globally, Oracle continues to invest heavily in AI, cloud infrastructure, and data centre capabilities. Locally, Oracle NZ is focused on helping organisations adopt AI securely and responsibly – particularly when it comes to data privacy and sovereignty.
“Our infrastructure here is operated through a local partner, Team IM, which means customer data is owned, governed, and managed under New Zealand law.”
Jason says that the level of local governance is becoming increasingly important as AI adoption grows.
What are some of the biggest headwinds Oracle is facing right now – and how are you approaching them?
“One of the biggest challenges in New Zealand is awareness,” Jason says.
While Oracle is one of the world’s largest technology companies, Jason says many businesses still don’t associate the brand with cloud infrastructure or AI capability. To shift that perception, Oracle New Zealand has been investing more heavily in thought leadership, events, partnerships, and external engagement.
“The way we’re approaching that is through thought leadership, events, partnerships, and getting in front of new audiences.” That includes high-profile partnerships with SailGP and Formula One – partnerships Jason says are often misunderstood.
“People think they’re sponsorships, but they’re actually technology partnerships.” He points to SailGP as an example of Oracle technology operating in real time under pressure.
“For SailGP, there are around 240,000 data points per second coming off the boats, and Oracle technology is processing that information in real time for coaches and race officials around the world.”
For Jason, those partnerships help demonstrate the scale and capability behind Oracle technology in a way people can immediately connect with.
What advice would you give to New Zealand CXOs who are currently navigating AI?
Jason’s advice is simple: start now. “Get started. Seriously – just get started.”
Rather than overhauling everything at once, he encourages organisations to begin with practical use cases that can create immediate value.
“Start small. Don’t try to boil the ocean.”
“Start with your people and identify repetitive or mundane tasks AI can genuinely improve.”
Jason says one of the biggest mistakes organisations can make right now is waiting too long to engage with AI. “This technology is moving incredibly quickly, and if organisations wait too long, they risk falling behind.” He also believes strong data foundations are critical.
“Successful AI deployment depends on having strong, well-structured data foundations.”
“If your data isn’t in good shape and systems aren’t configured properly, you won’t get a good AI outcome.”
You’ve had a long career across tech and commercial leadership – what’s been the defining thread through it?
“People.”
Throughout his career, he says relationships – whether with customers, staff, suppliers, or partners – have always mattered most. “I’ve always believed that if you treat people the way you’d want to be treated yourself, you’ll generally create better outcomes.”
“For me, success comes from finding win-win outcomes.”
Is there a New Zealand leader you follow or admire – and why?
Rather than naming one specific leader, Jason Langley says he’s drawn to people who challenge the status quo and push industries forward. “Anyone who’s doing something to challenge the status quo – anyone who’s got passion and drive and is breaking the mould.”
He points to figures like Sir Russell Coutts and the innovation behind SailGP as examples. “The dreamers, the disruptors – those sorts of people.”
Jason also reflected on the influence previous mentors and collaborative leaders have had throughout his career.
How would you describe your leadership style today?
Jason believes leadership is grounded in collaboration and leading by example. “I don’t believe in asking people to do things I wouldn’t do myself.”
He says listening to people and bringing different perspectives into decision-making often leads to stronger outcomes. “Some of the best outcomes come from genuinely hearing different perspectives and using those ideas to shape better solutions.”
What’s one value or principle that’s guided you throughout your career?
“Integrity.”
For Jason, honesty, transparency, and consistency have always been non-negotiable. “Saying what you do, doing what you say, and being honest and transparent.”
He believes reputation matters enormously – especially in a market as connected as New Zealand. “If you build a reputation for not being truthful or transparent, that sticks with you.”
How does Alberts play a role in how Oracle New Zealand connects and collaborates?
“Alberts is a great space. It really is.”
Shortly after joining Oracle New Zealand, Jason identified the 1 Albert Street Theatre as an opportunity to create stronger customer engagement experiences. “We walked past the theatre space, and I asked, ‘How often are we using that theatre for customer events?’”
His colleague said, “We’re not really.” And Jason replied, ‘Well, we’re going to change that.’”
Since then, Oracle New Zealand has continued to use Alberts as a venue for hosting customers, partners, and industry conversations. For Jason, the flexibility of the spaces and the professional environment make Alberts a valuable setting for bringing people together.
“The more we can bring customers and partners into a comfortable but still highly professional environment like this, the more successful those interactions tend to be.”
A big thank you to Jason for taking the time to sit down with us and share his story. His reflections on technology, leadership, and the opportunities AI presents offered plenty of food for thought, and it was a privilege to hear firsthand from someone helping shape the future of New Zealand’s technology landscape.