James joined Lancaster in 2023. Prior to this, from 2008-2023, he was Head of Strategy on the Brook Absolute Return Strategy, managed by Odey Asset Management LLP. From 2006-08 James was a partner and fund manager at ZA Capital, an equity hedge fund founded by a Schroder colleague Zafar Ahmadullah. From 2003-06 James was an equity analyst at Schroders covering the retail and leisure sectors. James graduated from Edinburgh University in 2003 and has also completed the Chartered Financial Analyst Program.