James brings over 20 years of marketing expertise from the start-up technology and professional services industries to Benbria. He is an experienced marketing, technology, and process improvement specialist with extensive knowledge in customer relationship management (CRM) strategy, strategic marketing, branding, communications, Web marketing, social media, and product development.
In his career, James has worked with or advised over 10 start-up companies, including roles as the Director of Marketing with San Francisco-based Simply Hired and VP of Marketing at Benecaid, one of Canada’s most successful financial services start-ups focused on the SMB market. He was also the corporate project and marketing manager for Morneau Shepell, the largest Canadian-owned firm focused on benefits and pension consulting and administration. He holds a BA from Concordia University in Montreal, received his CMA certification in direct marketing from the University of Toronto, and Executive Studies in International Marketing from the Edinburgh School of Business.
Board Memberships and Awards:
International Luxury Hotel Association (2017-Present)
Marketing Chair & Past President – Etobicoke Historical Society, 2013-Present
Speaking Engagements:
Panelist – Hospitality Technology Trends – ILHA Summit, Miami, 2017
Presenter – Masterclass: How Mobile Technology Increases TRevPAR – Revenue by Design Conference, London UK, 2017
Presenter – Cornell Study on Technology and Service Quality – ILHA Summit, Washington DC, 2016
Presenter – Guest Lecturer, Mobile Technology and Impact on Quality Service – Cornell University, Ithaca, 2016
Presenter – Using Real-Time Customer Insights to Improve Employee Performance and Overall Service Quality – Restaurant Leadership Conference, Scottsdale, 2016