Bio

James is a Partner on AEA’s Middle Market Private Equity team. In his role, he focuses on investment opportunities in the consumer sector. James serves on the boards of Chemical Guys, ThreeSixty Group, TileBar and Traeger Wood Pellet Grills. He was also on the boards of former AEA portfolio companies 1-800 Contacts, Brand Networks, Melissa & Doug and Shoes For Crews. Prior to joining AEA in 2001, James was a strategy consultant with Bain & Company in Chicago, advising both private equity and corporate clients. During his time there, he developed acquisition perspectives and post-merger integration strategies for clients across a wide variety of industries, including consumer products, general industrial and services sectors. James earned a B.A. in economics and mathematical methods in the social sciences from Northwestern University, where he graduated with honors. James is currently on the Board of Visitors at Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.