James brings to MCE more than 30 years experience in international management within the Chemicals, Industrial Gases Manufacturing and Oil and Gas Services Industries.
In addition to over 15 years in General Management Positions, James has also successfully served in roles in Acquisitions, Business Development, Finance and Strategic Planning. His work has included major international negotiations involving both major industrial companies and nationalised industries.
His experience spans most European countries, North Africa and Middle East and the USA.
In his line postions James has managed business units with 500 + employees, and operations in multiple countries. During these periods, he has overseen many significant change programs related to employee motivation, quality improvement and assurance, Y2K, ISO 9000/18000 and adapting to the e economy.
Professional background
Since 2006, James has been primarily working in the Middle East, where he was General Manager of the market leading industrial gas companies in Kuwait (Gulf Cryo 2006 -2008) and Bahrain (Yateem Oxygen 2009 -2010). Within these roles, he oversaw significant increases in production capacity, introduced new products, production technologies and distribution methods. In addition, he also provided consultancy services to Middle East companies in acquisition/divestment activity and major contract negotiation.
From 2003 to 2006, James was the founder, owner and manager of a packaged ice company in South West France.
Prior to this James worked for Air Products and Chemicals inc. (APD) for 15 years in various roles, beginning with Acquisition/Business Development Manager, and subsequently as General Manager Helium (Europe), General Manager Air Products Germany (Geschaeftsfuehrer) and General Manager Packaged Gases Benelux. While at Air Products, he was leader of several significant projects, including the acquisition of Oxygene Liquide SA, (publically quoted French gas producer, the negotiation of a joint venture with Air Liquide and Sonatrach to construct the first world scale helium plant outside of the USA (investment $100mm, product purchase agreement > $1 bn), and setting up Air Products first investment in the Middle East.
As GM Helium Europe, James increased sales and profits each year for seven years, making this business unit the most profitable in Europe. He also introduced a new product for supplying the MRI market which gave AP a 50% market share in this segment.
As GM AP Germany, he turned around a loss making unit by re-prioritising the product mix, and re-motivating the work force.
Before Air Products, James worked as a financial analyst, contract manager for various companies in France and Belgium in Oil and Gas Services and Aeronautics.
Education and qualifications
James holds a BSc Hons. In Applied Economics (NELP) 1975 and an MBA (with distinction) from INSEAD, 1983.
Personal
James is a UK national and currently lives in Brussels, and has also lived in France, Germany and Mid East. His interests include golf and photography.