James Smither

James Smither is Associate Vice President of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Research at Frontier Strategy Group, based in the firm’s London office. He directs and supervises the content of the Group’s EMEA-focused market intelligence, strategic research, and member forums. Prior to joining FSG, James established and led a global political and operational risk consulting practice for a leading international business risk consultancy; this role involved delivering a variety of market entry and problem-solving assignments for multinational clients in geographies as diverse as Peru, Indonesia, Abu Dhabi, Madagascar and the North Caucasus. An experienced media commentator and conference speaker, he has also previously worked as an Africa analyst - consulting with firms throughout the continent in various sectors including FMCG, tourism, finance, defense, mining and energy – and as a development advisor to various African governments on matters of private sector engagement and business environment reform. He holds an undergraduate degree in Modern History and a postgraduate degree in International Relations from Cambridge University (UK).