James has 10 years of experience analyzing issues in oil and gas, as well as transportation. He is a thought leader and resident expert on numerous key topics, including dual-fuel operations in drilling and completion activities; oilfield pump architecture, applications, and wear/tear; completion hardware trends and emerging technologies; and production phase activities such as refracturing, chemical injection, and workover rig usage. He has assisted with both the Reinventing the Wheel and Reinventing the Truck studies, as well as the Mobility and Energy Future product. His functional experience includes market research, market entry, corporate strategy, post-acquisition integration strategy, and investor due diligence. He joined PacWest Consulting Partners in 2012 (now part of S&P Global). James played a significant role in launching the firm's first China-focused market intelligence product.

Prior to joining PacWest, James was as a research associate at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute, where he conducted studies and wrote reports, especially on issues regarding transportation. He also covered urban sprawl and development in China, US energy policy, renewable energy, and customer impacts of volatile energy prices. While at the Baker Institute, he taught at a university in the Czech Republic and was quoted in various media sources, including Reuters.

James graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in public and international affairs from Princeton University, United States, where has also received a certificate in environmental studies.