James Drake

James Drake is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the hospitality and FMCG sectors. Currently serving as a Non-Executive Director at Compound, James is focused on implementing a three-year growth strategy for an innovative startup specializing in premium experiential cocktail bars and a range of ready-to-drink cocktails. Previously, James has held key roles at Hotel Chocolat since May 2014, including Global Business Development Manager, where responsibilities involved identifying new business opportunities and evaluating market potential. As Global Food & Beverage Manager, James led the omni-category strategy for several product launches, while also overseeing café operations as Café & Flagship Operations Manager, successfully establishing over 40 locations in the UK. Earlier experiences include serving as General Manager for Rabot Restaurant and co-founding The Hill, Bar & Brassiere Ltd., where operational leadership and high-performance culture were emphasized.