James joined Russell Partnership Consulting in 2017 and has spent the last four decades developing F&B operations and hospitality business strategy, and leading restaurant design internationally. Demonstrating a passion for food, he spent his early career working in both restaurant and hotel kitchens, which led to him establishing his own successful national restaurant franchise business in South Africa.

In the UK, James has led the development of food strategy and commercial business planning for large venue stadia and live entertainment clients, such as Silverstone, R&A, Jockey Club and Arsenal. Additionally, he continues to strategise with leading hotel brands IHG, Westmont, Holiday Inn and Hilton, developing operations, food concepts, and supply chain solutions.

James works closely with Royal & Ancient Golf, Silverstone, The Jockey Club, and Arsenal Football Club, developing their food vision, contract procurement and business master plans. James also supported the mobilisation teams in delivering the hospitality training and athlete dining villages for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Commonwealth Games 2022.

James works as Consulting Principal where he manages a team of senior consultants at Russell Partnership Consulting. He also leads the Food and Beverage Design and Operations teams for Therme RPC wellbeing-focused food experiences.