James Houlder

James is Director of Research at Bailey Fisher, and is responsible for delivering both individual searches and for overseeing the company’s broader research strategy, ensuring our processes integrate the latest advancements in relevant technology and AI. Having overseen our Research function for over a decade, James has successfully delivered searches across a wide range of sectors at the cutting edge of technology; from SaaS to semiconductors to AI, to biotechnology, medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and many more.

James has established a research model that combines a range of next generation data platforms and technologies with traditional headhunting methods to provide total market coverage, with in-depth market intelligence and up-to-date analysis across all of the sectors we cover. Known for his thorough approach and ability to quickly grasp the subtleties of new technologies, applications and candidate markets, he engages with C-suite executives, board members, senior managers and investors on a daily basis, and has acquired a developed knowledge of the current state of the growth technology industry.

James is a Director of the company, having partaken in the successful MBO in 2018,  and acts as a co-host for numerous Bailey Fisher’s events, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and influencers to discuss topical issues.

Before joining Bailey Fisher in 2014, James followed a degree in Ancient History and an early career in Financial Services with a move into in-house Talent Acquisition in 2008, working as an in-house recruiter for large corporates across a variety of technical sectors and geographies. This included pharmaceuticals at MedImmune, biotech at Illumina, and software at Autonomy and HP. James moved into Executive Search in 2014, and has established himself as one of the most effective and experienced Researchers in the UK market.

Outside of work, James is a keen cricketer, and enjoys good food, good wine, and walking his hilariously untrainable cockapoo.