James is the programming director for ASM Global UK, whose portfolio of venues includes AO Arena, Manchester; The SSE Arena, Wembley; First Direct Arena, Leeds; Utilita Arena, Newcastle; P&J Live, Aberdeen; and Bonus Arena, Hull.

Starting out at the legendary Oxford club, The Zodiac, then later an O2 Academy, James moved into programming roles with Live Nation and the Ambassador Theatre Group.

As concerts manager for LW Theatres, he helped to launch the London Palladium’s successful concert-led programming model.

James joined the SSE Arena, Wembley as bookings manager in 2017, with the arena enjoying three consecutive record-breaking years pre-COVID, before recently taking on his new role within ASM Global.