James joined Gerard Daniels in mid-2025, building on an accomplished career in Executive Search, Board Advisory and Executive Leadership.
As Partner, James serves as a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams, aligning leadership capability with organisational strategy in sectors where execution is critical. He brings more than two decades of specialist expertise to the role, having worked extensively in the energy, utilities and infrastructure sectors, with both traditional and pioneering generation, transmission, distribution and renewables/storage providers.
Working across Executive Search and Board Advisory, James helps clients to develop and appoint high-performing individuals, that lead effectively and drive major transformation in complex and highly regulated markets.
Clients value James’ understanding of global governance, transformation and leadership needs, in industries that balance policy shifts, technological change and stakeholder scrutiny. James also enjoys partnering with decision makers to navigate high-stakes challenges, advise on succession planning and influence the leadership agenda, understanding the pivotal role that leaders play in shaping these industries.
Prior roles, servicing the Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America regions, have allowed James to gain global perspective; to deliver impact at scale; and to develop broad international networks that benefit clients and candidates alike.
James has earned his reputation for delivering successful appointments at C-suite and senior leadership level, with other notable achievements that include:
- Advising on appointments that underpin large-scale energy transition and infrastructure projects
- Supporting governance reform and leadership renewal in listed, private, and state-owned enterprises
- Building senior leadership benches in technically complex and highly regulated markets.
James is based in Sydney, supporting local, national and international talent requirements.
Conversation Starters
- James is passionate about the energy transition, governance, leadership development and developing leadership strategies aligned with industry transition and transformation.
- Professionally, he gives back through mentoring, helping emerging leaders to reach their potential and to prepare for executive and board pathways.
- Outside of work, James raises a very active four-year-old and tries to make time for golf – which he plays enthusiastically, if not perfectly.
