James Christian

As Managing Partner, EMEA and Global Head of Energy at Gerard Daniels, James leads the firm’s regional business and global Energy practice, advising organisations on board, C-suite and senior executive appointments across the energy, industrial services and industrial technology sectors. Based in Abu Dhabi, he works internationally with listed, privately held and investor-backed businesses on executive leadership, succession planning and organisational capability.

James has particular expertise in complex, asset-intensive industries, with deep experience across the global oil and gas value chain, energy services and equipment, industrial and asset services, and the technologies supporting critical infrastructure. He partners with boards, shareholders, executives and investors to identify and appoint leaders capable of navigating complexity, driving business performance and delivering long-term strategic objectives.

A significant part of his practice involves supporting private equity firms and other investors through periods of ownership transition, transformation and growth. This includes assessing existing leadership capability, shaping executive teams and securing the talent required to deliver investment and value creation strategies.

James has developed an extensive international network across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the United States and Asia-Pacific, through long-standing relationships and a collaborative approach to his work.

Before moving into Executive Search, James held human resources and advisory roles within the energy and industrial sectors in Australia and Asia, including with Chevron and IKM Group. This experience provided direct exposure to the operational, commercial, and organisational challenges facing international energy businesses, and continues to inform his approach to Executive Search and Leadership Advisory today.