James Cross

James Cross boasts extensive experience in investment and research, currently serving as Co-Director of Private Investments and Managing Director at Franklin Templeton since July 1998. With a focus on aerospace and defense from 1999 to 2020 and leadership in the industrial sector, James has also played pivotal roles in the Franklin Tech Fund and Franklin Venture Partners since 2015. In addition, James serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation since April 2019 and founded the Silicon Valley Defense Group in January 2015. Earlier career experience includes a position as an Economic Planner at the Heart of Texas Council of Governments from 1996 to 1997. James holds a BBA in Economics from Baylor University, earned between 1991 and 1995.