James Connal.

James founded JC Strategy in March 2008 with the support of his former employers at Apax Partners. James has spent his entire career working at the highest levels of Government and corporate life.

James was recruited to Apax in 2007 by the then Chairman of the Apax Advisory Board, Lord Browne of Madingley, for whom he worked directly until his move to Riverstone Holdings. As Head of Public Affairs at Apax James provided public policy advice across the Apax portfolio, offered political “diligence” as part of the deal process and was a speechwriter. Apax is the major client of JC Strategy.

From 2004 – 2007 James was Special Adviser to Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, providing strategic, political and presentational advice to the Minister in his capacities as Defence Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons and Europe Minister. His tenure covered sensitive issues such as the aftermath of the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, UK relations with Russia, the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU and the run-up to the Lisbon Treaty on EU Reform. He briefed and accompanied the Minister on visits to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and numerous states in Eastern Europe and the CIS. He worked closely with political lobby journalists and was also the Minister’s speechwriter.

James was the Defence spokesman for the Labour Party during the 2005 General Election campaign and drafted sections of the defence chapter of the election manifesto.

From 2000 – 2004 James was adviser to Lord Stevenson of Coddenham, Chairman of HBOS plc.

James sits on the board of the Atlantic Council, a body created to explain NATO’s role, co-opted by the President and former NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen.

James was an elected member of the Fabian Society executive from 2001-2004.

James has a First Class degree in Politics from Warwick University and an M.Phil from Pembroke College, Cambridge University.

Contact - james@jcstrategy.co.uk