James is a strategist and systems thinker with a background in sustainable finance. He is a Special Advisor to Triodos Bank (where he was previously Group Director of Strategy overseeing strategy development for the Triodos Group – Europe’s leading international sustainable banking and investment institution). As part of his strategy role, he designed and facilitated learning, development and innovation programs to accelerate progress in sustainability sectors.
James has over 20 years senior management experience supporting and financing a wide range of social and environmental businesses. He advised on bond issues and share offers for leading charities and businesses (including Ethical Property Company, Ecotricity, Cafedirect and Golden Lane Housing), managed equity investments, and has been a non-executive director for a broad range of environmental and social businesses (including organic food wholesalers, restaurant chains, carbon offset providers, recycling companies and a range of renewable energy projects).
James has led many new initiatives and business ventures including setting up Triodos Bank’s UK investment business comprising corporate finance and crowdfunding services, venture capital fund management and fund distribution. James was Managing Director of a leading public renewable energy investment company (Thrive Renewables plc) leading it through a period of rapid growth (2005-2012).
James has served as a member of several advisory groups on sustainable finance at UK, European and international level and is author of several reports and papers on sustainable finance and impact investing. James served on the Global Steering Committee for the UNEP Finance Initiative and was one of the founding developers of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking launched in 2019. James has served on the board of a local community development association, was the Chair of the Finance Innovation Lab. James is a tutor in Sustainable Business with the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Leadership (CISL) and is an advisor for a small number of NGOs in Europe including the Club of Rome.
See directors interests here.