James is the Head of Cabinet of the EU Commissioner for Security dealing with counter terrorism, organised crime and cyber security. He is one of the most senior British officials at the EU. He was previously the Chief of Staff of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the Commission and before that the Head of Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Trade. In between, James was Policy Director in the Secretariat-General of the European Commission for two years covering international trade, counter terrorism, cyber security, the digital single market, migration and development.
Before joining the Commission James was a British diplomat with 20 years of experience and was posted to Brussels twice (1994-1999 and 2004-2006) when he chaired EU Committees dealing with trade with North East, South and South East Asia. James was a Foreign Office spokesman from 1999-2000, Private Secretary to the Minister for Europe (2000-2002), and Head of the Common Foreign and Security Policy Department (2003-2004). James began his Civil Service career in the Home Office (1989-1991). James holds an MBA. He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the 2015 New Year's Honours.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
That is a tricky one – London because it is a truly great, open and dynamic place but also Brussels because I've spent most of my career here negotiating in one capacity or another!
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Personally – my wife and three daughters
Professionally – being the first Chief of Staff to the EU's foreign policy head, setting up the EU Foreign Service from scratch and being part of the core team on the Iran nuclear negotiations.
3) What inspires you?
Ideas, professionalism and public service.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
I haven't encountered it yet...
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
People I have worked for and have believed in me: (Baroness) Cathy Ashton and Sir John Grant to name a couple.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Doing something worthwhile to help counter the security threats we currently face by closing down the space in which terrorists, organised criminals and cyber attackers operate by strengthening the Europe-wide rules and frameworks
7) And the worst?
The rapid growth of cyber-enabled threats like on-line radicalising propaganda, fake news and behavioural manipulation which pose real threats to our democratic societies.
8) What are your long term goals?
To stay alive and to continue to do something useful and interesting!
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I have been taught from a very young age never to answer hypothetical questions...
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Alec Issigonis the designer of the Mini of which I am a huge fan and who famously said "a camel is a horse designed by committee" which I often think of at work..!
