James Rutana is a Bougainvillean businessman and entrepreneur from North Nasioi, Kieta. He has operated several local businesses.
Mr Rutana was the founding chair and established the PNG Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute. He was appointed a Commissioner of the Bougainville Constitutional Commission, and was involved in the drafting of Bougainville Constitution in 2002 during that important phase in the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government.