Chair

James Brent

James Brent is 42 years old and is married with five childeren. His family has lived in the Taw valley in North Devon for the last four years, although he travels widely.

James joined the UK merchant bank, Schroders, in 1983 and became the youngest director at the age of 29. He subsequently became the head of Schroders' financing division and the non-Executive Chairman of Schroder Leasing Limited, one of Schroders' two banking subsidiaries.

In May, 2000, the investment banking businesses of Schroders were acquired by Citigroup Inc., the world's largest financial services group. James became a Managing Director in the real estate and lodging (hotels) investment banking business. He became co-head of the European region of this group in 2004 and sole Global Head in 2005. He has the privilege of advising some of the world's largest and most successful real estate and hotels businesses.