James was appointed to lead Australia’s largest and most representative business advocacy group in April 2016.
James held senior roles in the private and public sectors before joining the Australian Chamber.
He led the Shell Australia team responsible for creating business value by building and leveraging brand and reputation; making a positive impact on the communities in which Shell works; and being the eyes, ears and voice of the company in its relations with government.
As Chief Executive of the peak employer group in Australia’s fastest growing State, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Western Australia, he was a public advocate for Western Australian business and a campaigner for economic and social reform.
As a diplomat, and trade and investment negotiator, he represented Australia in Africa, the Pacific and China. He helped Australian and international companies win markets and develop projects at home and abroad.
James represented the petroleum industry in Western Australia and the Northern Territory; led the industry’s national productivity improvement and local content initiatives; and was responsible for lobbying, workforce communications and corporate social responsibility for a multinational energy company in Australia and Asia-Pacific.
James has an MBA from Victoria’s Deakin University, an Honours Degree in Science from the University of Western Australia and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
He is married with three adult children, is a keen sailor and supports the Fremantle Dockers in the AFL.
