James is a savvy marketing and operations executive who champions and activates all things brand. Through transformational leadership, he humanizes the intangibles and develops programs that are purposeful and lasting. He is an industry change agent. James is currently the CEO of TAG Restaurant Group and sits on may boards including: the Board of Trustees at Aspen Academy, Board of Advisors for Global Hospitality, Hospitality Technology Magazine, and has been on steering committees for Cornell Hospitality Research programs. Most recently James was recognized on the 2022 & 2018, Nation's Restaurant News Power List, 2019 and 2018 Fast Casual Top 25 Executives, and Denver Business Journal’s 2018 Most Admired CEO.

For the past 15 years, James served in executive leadership roles, building teams, and helping brands scale (often as head of marketing and operations) for some of the most well-established and fastest growing concepts in the Fast Casual, QSR, and retail environment: Charley's, Which Wich, and 7-Eleven. In addition, James’ international experience includes substantive contributions in Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, Venezuela, and Brazil.