James Cox

James is a highly experienced business leader and long-term Canterbury resident with a deep personal and professional commitment to education, community, and innovation. Over his career, he has held senior executive roles in major consumer-facing businesses, including CEO of Dune London and leadership positions at Fresca Group—owner of Thanet Earth—where he led successful responses to strategic and operational challenges, including complex change management and cybersecurity crises.

James brings a wealth of board-level experience across HR, finance, legal, risk, and strategy functions, gained in both UK and international contexts. His leadership has spanned business transformation, corporate restructuring, market expansion, and governance across large, multisite, and regulated organisations. He has also served as a founding trustee of the Floreat Multi-Academy Trust, helping to open several free schools in London, and as Treasurer of St Anne’s Church in Kew.

A strong advocate for the transformative power of education, James is inspired by Canterbury Christ Church University’s mission and values. His commitment to service, innovation, and principled leadership underpins his contribution to the Governing Body as it navigates the evolving landscape of higher education.