James Blakeley

James Blakeley is an experienced food innovation and product development professional with a robust background in leading product initiatives across various sectors. Currently serving as the Food Innovation Chapter Lead at 7-Eleven Australia since June 2021, James previously held key roles at David Jones, where significant achievements included expanding meal offerings and launching innovative plant-based products. James also contributed to the chilled convenience foods sector as Head of Innovation at Jewel Fine Foods and managed product development for Coles across multiple categories, enhancing private label offerings with sustainable practices. Earlier career milestones include roles at Buckingham Foods, Bakkavor, and Kitchen Range Foods, with a strong foundation in culinary arts and business management acquired at Blackpool and the Fylde HE College.