James, a Newcastle Business School accountancy graduate, swiftly transitioned from trainee accountant to finance recruitment within just 18 months and never looked back. With over two decades of recruitment experience, he oversees the team in the UK and the USA as CEO of Distinct.
Previously James led Macildowie Recruitment, earning it the Sunday Times’ 5th best small company to work for in the UK in 2014. Then, around eight years ago he co-founded Distinct, making the move from a private equity backed agency to creating a more people-centric recruitment firm. Operating across the UK and the USA, James is dedicated to creating workplaces where people genuinely enjoy coming to work, a philosophy integral to Distinct’s success. Notable achievements include growing Distinct from five to 50 staff, across the UK and USA with offices in Nottingham (UK), London (UK) and Boston (USA).
Distinct’s USA expansion was motivated, in part, by James’ commitment to enhancing opportunities for skilled consultants. Recognizing a gap in the market for a more empathetic, people-focused approach to recruitment in the USA, James believed Distinct’s commitment to exceptional service could make a real impact. Alongside Arran, co-founder and public accounting recruiter, set out to redefine how recruiters are perceived. Today, Distinct operates in 20 states on the East Coast, with 16 recruiters dedicated exclusively to North American candidates and clients.
People make the difference is not just one of Distinct’s core principles – it reflects James’ unwavering commitment to driving the business forward while preserving our people-centric ethos. This is reflected in a variety of recent initiatives at Distinct:
Outside of work, James is a devoted Notts County fan (soccer for the uninitiated) and a keen skier. He also navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, raising two energetic teenagers alongside his wonderful wife.
