After service in the British Army with the Royal Welch Fusiliers, James built a career in asset management spanning over 30 years. He was part of the founding team of Liontrust, which listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1999. In 2005 he founded River and Mercantile Asset Management and subsequently led its merger with P-Solve in 2014, creating the first combination of an asset manager and an asset consultant. The combined business later listed on the London Stock Exchange as River and Mercantile Group PLC.

As Group Chief Executive, he oversaw the restructuring of the Group and in particular sale of its Solutions business to Schroders in 2022. He joined Schroders as part of this transaction as Executive Chairman of Schroders Solutions, leading the integration of the combined business and establishing it as a UK market leader in fiduciary management.

Having founded, listed and sold businesses, James understands first-hand the significance of a transaction for owners, management teams and investors. He believes continued consolidation across the asset and wealth management sectors will drive significant M&A activity in the years ahead.

At Corbett Keeling, James draws on his extensive experience to help clients in the financial services sector sell their businesses, raise capital or make acquisitions.