James is an experienced multi-disciplinary design manager with extensive rolling stock development experience, focused on providing engaging passenger experiences and optimal fleet performance. Recently James has led the technical development of Hydrogen fuel cell powered train demonstrators and operational studies in the UK, collaborating with a wide range of energy, safety, and systems teams' specialists.

He is a chartered industrial designer with 23 years rolling stock design experience gained in consultancy roles, project experience includes new build rolling stock, fleet refurbishment and upgrade projects in the UK, Europe, United States and Middle East.

Since March 2021 James supported Ballard Motive Solutions (formerly Arcola Energy) on the Scottish Hydrogen Train project, initially responsible for the upgrade of the powered bogies to incorporate new AC permanent magnet traction motors/ancillary equipment and the interior conversion of the PTOS car to accommodate guests at the COP26 event. Following COP26, James assumed greater responsibility for the wider Rolling Stock delivery team, including safety case / approvals support and stakeholder engagement to explore the route to adoption of H2 powered trains on Scotland’s railway. The project culminated with the successful train operations and demonstration days held between the 29th August and 5th September at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Heritage Railway.

A key project for him at the moment is supporting the Welsh Government’s,  HyBRID research programme: Welsh Hydrogen Train project. The Phase 1 study investigated the feasibility for Hydrogen train conversion and developed a  Route to Market for the implementation of hydrogen fuel cell powered trains across key route corridors in Wales. Phase 2 of the project which commenced earlier this month focusses on essential industry collaborations and delivery partnerships required for the project to progress into service and the continued train technical and safety case development.