I've worked with James for just over two years now, and I can say with genuine confidence that he's one of the most accomplished finance directors I represent in the luxury hotel space. With 18 years of experience built almost exclusively within high-end independent properties, culminating in his current role at Rocco Forte Hotels, he brings a depth and quality of exposure that is genuinely rare. He understands the commercial sensitivities that come with luxury positioning, and he operates with the kind of quiet authority that boards and ownership groups respond to very well.

What stands out to me most is his track record in pre-opening finance. James has led the finance workstream on two luxury hotel pre-openings, and when we spoke about those projects he was very clear about the complexity involved, coordinating across ownership, operations and external advisors whilst building the finance function from the ground up under real time pressure. That experience is difficult to replicate, and for any group with a pipeline project or an asset in development, it makes him an exceptionally valuable hire rather than simply a strong day-to-day finance leader.

He is London-based and on a three-month notice period, which is entirely standard at his level and reflects the seriousness with which Rocco Forte would treat his departure. He is not making a move out of any dissatisfaction, and I would encourage you to treat that notice period as a positive signal of his standing within his current employer. I am confident he would integrate quickly and add value well before day one, given the level of due diligence and preparation he typically applies to any new challenge.