Having trained as a Company Secretary at the Central Electricity Generating Board in the early 1980s, James changed direction and has spent most of his career in the investment management industry specialising in listed investment companies and heading the investment trust businesses of both Touche Remnant and Janus Henderson. As a director of Janus Henderson, he sat on the board of the firm’s principal regulated operating subsidiary. He retired from Janus Henderson on 30 June 2022 and is now seeking non-executive positions to complement his voluntary activities.
From 2015 to 2022 James was a Common Councillor of the City of London Corporation.
He is Chair of Governors of Queenswood, a girls’ independent school, and he sits on the Council of St Paul’s Cathedral and is an independent member of their Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
James is active in the Livery having twice been Master of the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers and he is also a founding member and Court Assistant of the Guild of Investment Managers.
James is a keen tennis player, captaining three teams at his local club, an avid fell walker and an inconsistent golfer.