James Carr-Smith

James is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for all areas of the firm’s day-to-day operations, including all aspects of business services such as human resources, administration, facilities, IT and marketing.

James works closely with both the firm’s Management Board and Partners to develop and implement strategies to manage and support the growth and success of the firm.

 Prior to joining Payne Hicks Beach in March 2024, James spent two years as COO of Pelham Street, a leadership advisory and executive coaching firm, and before that spent 30 years in the British Army: latterly as the commander of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the British Army’s officer training academy, (2019-2021) and as the senior soldier diplomat in the British Embassy in Washington D.C. (2016-2019).