James was appointed to the board on 15 October 2026. He has 20 years’ experience across South African capital markets, private equity and corporate advisory. He is the founder and Managing Director of Grey Heron Venture Partners, a private investment firm backed by a family office. Previously, he was a Principal in Grindrod Bank’s private equity and investment banking team, a consultant at Bain & Company and a derivatives specialist at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

His experience includes derivatives and capital markets, investment banking, corporate finance, business strategy, investment strategy, valuation, risk management and board governance.

James currently serves as a non-executive director of Cultura Fresh, a hydroponic lettuce farm; a board observer at Lelive Africa, a skincare brand; and an advisor to FARO, a rapidly-growing fashion retailer. He is a member of the Institute of Directors of South Africa.