Creative leader, producer, entertainment brand and franchise strategist based in London.

From December 2023 James became CEO of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group based in London.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Really Useful Group develop, license and promote some of the worlds most successful entertainment brands all with musical theatre at their heart. We represent Andrew’s works in theatre, film, television, music, themed entertainment, consumer products, publishing and all other forms of products and experiences around the world.

Creative leader, producer, entertainment brand and franchise strategist based in London.

Previously led 'Entertainment R&D' at PopHouse Entertainment Group.
Pophouse Entertainment includes ABBA Voyage, ABBA The Museum, The Avicii Experience, Space, and Perfect Day.

Now sit on the Investment Advisory Committee at PopHouse as well as being a mentor and advisor to the teams in Entertainment R&D.

PREVIOUS ROLES AND EXPERIENCES

**CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER - HARRY POTTER & FANTASTIC BEASTS**
THE BLAIR PARTNERSHIP
Creative development, franchise and brand strategy for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter franchise.

**BRAND & FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR**
THE BLAIR PARTNERSHIP
Leading the Brand & Franchise team at The Blair Partnership across all aspects of the Harry Potter franchise.

BRAND DIRECTOR
MIND CANDY

Brand strategy and franchise management of the World of Warriors (Apple Best Games of 2014) and Moshi Monsters brands globally.

HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTFLUID WORLD (REPRESENTING SANRIO)Led UK creative development and strategy for Hello Kitty and Mr. Men Little Miss. — **HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT**
FLUID WORLD (REPRESENTING SANRIO)
Led UK creative development and strategy for Hello Kitty and Mr. Men Little Miss.

PUBLISHING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENTNICKELODEONPublishing & content strategy and creative development of publishing products. Brands included, Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, Diego, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, South Park etc. — **PUBLISHING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT**
NICKELODEON
Publishing & content strategy and creative development of publishing products. Brands included, Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, Diego, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, South Park etc.

PUBLISHINGHARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERSJames grew up at HarperCollins Publishers working on brands and authors such as Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Paddington Bear, Michael Morpurgo, Darren Shan and Oliver Jeffers. — **PUBLISHING**
HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS
James grew up at HarperCollins Publishers working on brands and authors such as Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Paddington Bear, Michael Morpurgo, Darren Shan and Oliver Jeffers.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTCHAPMAN ENTERTAINMENT"A huge highlight of my career was getting to work with Mr Bob the Builder and Paw Patrol himself, Keith Chapman. A real hero of mine and a pleasure to work for" James — **PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT**
CHAPMAN ENTERTAINMENT
"A huge highlight of my career was getting to work with Mr Bob the Builder and Paw Patrol himself, Keith Chapman. A real hero of mine and a pleasure to work for" James

AUTHORMCDOOGLE'S MONSTER FARMOnly Nooglebooglers Glow in the Dark (2011) ( by James McKnight, Illustrated by Mark ChambersThe Day the Gogglynipper Escaped (2011) by James McKnight, Illustrated by Mark Chambers — **AUTHOR**
MCDOOGLE'S MONSTER FARM
Only Nooglebooglers Glow in the Dark (2011) ( *by James McKnight, Illustrated by Mark Chambers*
The Day the Gogglynipper Escaped (2011) *by James McKnight, Illustrated by Mark Chambers*

ACTOREDINBURGH FESTIVAL"Training as an actor and singer from a young age taught me so many great lessons, even when I was dressed as a dopey cone head alien years later, I was learning something" James — **ACTOR**
EDINBURGH FESTIVAL
"Training as an actor and singer from a young age taught me so many great lessons, even when I was dressed as a dopey cone head alien years later, I was learning something" James

For more career info see LinkedIn by clicking here