James has served as Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall since May 2023. He was previously CEO of Help Musicians, a charity for professional musicians of all genres, both in work and in retirement. James was formerly with the Royal Albert Hall from 2008 to 2017, initially as Director of Finance and Administration and then Chief Operating Officer. 

He received his OBE in 2024 for services to Music and Musicians. He is Trustee of the recently-created LIVE Trust, which takes the £1-per-ticket contribution on arena and stadium shows and gives grants to organisations and programmes that support grassroots music.