Lee Johnson recognised in CRN’s 2026 Next-Gen SP Leaders List

We’re delighted to announce that Lee Johnson, Chief Technology Officer and CISO at Air IT Group, has once again been recognised in CRN’s Next-Gen Solution Provider Leaders List.

The annual list celebrates the industry’s rising leaders who are driving innovation, challenging convention and helping shape the future of the IT channel. This latest recognition follows Lee’s inclusion in the 2025 list and reflects the impact of the teams he leads across technology, cyber security, AI and managed services, as well as Air IT Group‘s continued commitment to innovation and service excellence.

Driving innovation across Air IT Group

As CTO, Lee plays a central role in defining Air IT Group’s technology strategy and future direction. With more than 20 years of experience in technology, cyber security and managed services, he combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution to help deliver meaningful results for both the business and our customers.

Working closely with teams across the business, Lee has led the continued evolution of Air IT Group’s technology and solutions portfolio, ensuring our services remain secure, scalable and ready for what’s next. Together, these teams have focused on strengthening cyber security capabilities, embedding AI and automation into operations, and supporting sustainable growth across the business.

Advancing security and AI capabilities

One of the team’s standout achievements over the last year has been the expansion of our 24/7 security portfolio with three new managed security services. Under Lee’s leadership, Air IT Group has expanded its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) capabilities and extended protection further into the Microsoft security ecosystem, helping customers strengthen their cyber resilience against increasingly sophisticated threats.

Alongside advancing our security offering, Lee and the wider technology team have led the vision and procurement of a new AI-powered, omnichannel contact centre. Designed to improve customer engagement, provide deeper operational insight and create a more connected service experience, the platform represents another step in our strategy to use AI in practical ways that deliver real value.

AI remains a major focus across the business. Under Lee’s leadership, AI is already being embedded across service delivery, customer operations and technology platforms to enhance efficiency, support better decision-making and create improved outcomes for customers. As Air IT Group continues its own AI journey, these learnings are helping shape how we support clients looking to unlock the value of AI within their own organisations.

Leading growth through technology

Lee has also continued to play a vital role in our long-term growth strategy. Having led the technology and product strategy behind the successful integration of 13 acquisitions onto a single platform, he has worked alongside teams across the business to create a more consistent, scalable and efficient operating model that supports both employees and customers.

His impact extends beyond Air IT Group. As a regular speaker at industry events, webinars and customer forums, Lee shares practical insight on cyber security, AI and digital transformation, helping organisations navigate a rapidly changing technology landscape. Over the past year, he has also worked closely with vendors and channel partners to deliver educational events, strengthen go-to-market relationships and support business growth across the channel.

A recognition shared across the business

While this recognition is awarded to Lee, it reflects the collective effort of the talented people across Air IT Group who continue to innovate, collaborate and deliver exceptional outcomes for customers.

From the Air Sec team and service delivery specialists to product, operations and commercial teams, this achievement highlights what can be accomplished when great people work towards a shared vision. It also reflects Air IT Group’s ongoing investment in innovation, cyber security, AI and the people who make that progress possible.

Congratulations to Lee on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to the teams across Air IT Group whose expertise, commitment and innovation continue to help shape the future of our business.