James Bailey

James Bailey is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the retail and food sectors. Currently serving as an Operating Partner at Verlinvest since October 2019, James has also held significant leadership roles, including Managing Director at Waitrose & Partners, where responsibilities included overseeing the UK’s leading premium grocery retailer with over £8 billion in turnover and a robust e-commerce business. Prior to this, James served as Buying Director at Sainsbury's for over a decade, managing substantial categories including Grocery and Packaged Foods, and was instrumental in developing Sainsbury's "Future Brands" strategy. Additionally, James has provided advisory support to several companies, including Descartes Localz and OGGS®, and has a foundation in finance gained through positions at Barclays Investment Bank and NHS. James holds a degree from Lancaster University.