President's Bio

Mr. Robert James
President, Stoneleigh Strategies, Inc.

Robert (Rob) James is President of Stoneleigh Strategies, Inc., an Ottawa-based management consultancy. He is an accomplished executive in both the public and private sectors. Rob brings over 30 years of experience with management and executive mandates in economic and science and technology departments across the Canadian federal government, having served in a variety of director-general and vice-presidential posts. Previously, Rob served ten years in various officer-level positions, providing excellent operational experience from the ground up.

Rob is sought for his strategic insight, creativity, sound management, and extensive domestic and international networks. He brings these competencies to bear across a wide array of areas, ranging from strategy, management, program design and implementation, business planning, program evaluation, organization design, and change management. He also assists various private companies seeking innovation funding and provides advice on how best to navigate the government decision-making system.

Rob is an expert in the design, mobilization, and management of innovation support strategies and programs, and has an excellent track record of building domestic and international partnerships in this regard. In 2010 he was offered and accepted a two-year appointment to the United States National Academy of Sciences National Committee on 21st Century Manufacturing. Over 2000-2010, he contributed significantly to the design and implementation of many successful approaches to the Federal Cabinet resulting in over $1.5 billion in funding approval. He also led the development and implementation of a federal technology cluster strategy that resulted in a cumulative federal investment of $850 million and a subsequent invitation to the U.S. White House to discuss this cluster strategy and associated insight.

Rob established Stoneleigh Strategies, Inc. in 2013 and has experienced strong and continuous growth since its inception. The company has successfully expanded its market base, now boasting over 50 clients.

Rob has a true passion for mentoring, with up to ten individuals at any given time. Through these discussions, he provides young professionals with important knowledge, expertise, and guidance and, by consequence, continues to develop his own professional and personal competencies.

Rob possesses a master’s degree from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University.