About James
James spent 26 years as a partner at Ferrier Hodgson, a boutique insolvency and turnaround firm, ultimately serving as Chairman of partners. Following KPMG's acquisition of Ferrier Hodgson in 2019, James took on the role of national turnaround and restructuring team leader at KPMG. He also served on KPMG Australia’s Board, chaired the firm’s acquisition committee, and was appointed as the national consumer and retail leader, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted and strategic business leader.
With four decades of business experience, James has taken the helm of companies facing mismanagement, shifting competitor dynamics, and major market disruptions. He has guided stakeholders through complex turnaround strategies and has gained deep insights across diverse industry sectors. His extensive knowledge of the consumer and retail landscape sets him apart, and he is widely regarded as a respected thought leader and public commentator in the field.
James is driven by a purpose to inspire others to live their best lives—embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and striving for continual improvement. He approaches leadership with collaboration, integrity, and perspective, underpinned by personal values of trust, courage, innovation, community, and leadership. James is known for his rare ability to engage with intricate detail while maintaining a clear view of the strategic direction, enabling him to identify and deliver the initiatives that drive lasting impact.
Client Experience
Sector Experience
James brings a uniquely deep understanding of the consumer and retail sector, built over more than 25 years of advising Boards, executive teams, and stakeholders on their investments and exposure to some of Australia’s most prominent retailers. He has led businesses through financial distress and turnaround situations, earning a strong reputation as one of Australia’s leading commercial retail advisors.
A dedicated student of retail models and consumer behavior, James has continually sought out global insights to inform his expertise. He participated in Westfield’s exclusive international retail study tours for many years and is a regular attendee at major global retail events such as the World Retail Congress and the NRF Big Show. These experiences have helped him stay at the forefront of industry trends and evolving consumer expectations.
In addition to his advisory work, James is a respected public speaker and commentator on retail and consumer trends. He was the creative force behind KPMG’s partnership with Inside Retail magazine to produce the annual Australian Retail Outlook, and he developed KPMG’s Retail Health Index —a data-driven tool that predicts the future health of Australia’s retail and consumer landscape. Through these initiatives, James shaped and influenced strategic thinking across the sector.
Other Sector Experience
Financial services.
Agribusiness
Property development
Manufacturing
Hospitality
Leisure
Technology
Aviation