James Fairbairn has been employed in recruitment sector since 1995, working in both the UK and Australian markets. Mr Fairbairn moved to Perth in 2006 and worked for executive search and HR consulting firms Gerard Daniels and Beilby Consulting prior to commencing as a partner with Lester Blades in 2013. Mr Fairbairn has advised and acted on behalf of a broad portfolio of organisations, ranging from ASX200 corporations to privately-owned family businesses, indigenous corporations and not for profits. His work is predominantly in the appointment of senior executives and professionals.
Mr Fairbairn is an advocate for road cycling safety. He has previously been the president and chairman of the board of Bicycling Western Australia as well as chair of WestCycle’s ‘Road Cycling – Recreation Advisory Group’.
He is also a public speaker. In recent years he has been invited to address members at CPA Australia; Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand; the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Institute of Management; the Chamber of Commerce & Industry WA; the Governance Institute of Australia; Curtin Business School; UWA Business School; and Engineers Australia.
Mr Fairbairn represented the UK Conservative Party in the 2005 General Election in the seat of Wolverhampton South East.