James joined PRCA, the world’s largest and most influential PR professional body, as CEO in 2024. This followed six years as CEO of FIPP, re-positioning the 100-year old media trade association as a business focused on learning, knowledge sharing, skills development and networking. Hewes started his career in media at BBC Worldwide, the commercial division of the BBC, and then worked at BBC Magazines for 12 years. As Publishing Director of Dubai-based Gulf News Publishing from 2013 to 2016, he had responsibility for more than 30 product areas and launched new brands across digital, live events and print. He was then Interim CEO of The Art Newspaper from 2016-2017, whilst also running his own company, Soho Consulting.