Flint Global appoints former Cabinet minister James Purnell as CEO

GCP-backed political, policy, regulatory, and competition advisory firm Flint Global has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, James Purnell.

With an outstanding career across the worlds of politics, policy, and the public sector, including his tenure as a Cabinet minister, James will lead the next phase of Flint Global’s outstanding growth journey. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with James and the firm’s Founding Partners Simon Fraser and Ed Richards to deliver business growth and excellent service to Flint Global clients.

From June 2007 to January 2008, James was the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and then Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in the Cabinet of Gordon Brown’s premiership.

Prior to this he was an adviser in Tony Blair’s Number 10 Policy Unit.  In 2010, he joined BCG as a senior adviser, before moving to the BBC in March 2013 as Director of Strategy and Digital. Since 2021 James has been President and Vice Chancellor of the University of the Arts London, from where he will join Flint Global in October 2024.

James Purnell, incoming CEO at Flint Global said:

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be joining Flint. Since the start of the company, I’ve admired the work it does and the calibre of the team. I look forward to meeting Flint’s clients and staff, and leading Flint in its next stage, working with Simon and Ed as Founding Partners, and with the whole team.”

Sir Simon Fraser, Founding Partner at Flint Global said:

“James is the ideal choice to lead Flint in the next phase of our development and success. His personal qualities and experience in politics, policy and business will bring fresh strength and energy to our service for clients”.

Ed Richards, Founding Partner at Flint Global said:

“I am looking forward to working closely with James and supporting his leadership in the years ahead. Flint has always focused on offering clients a real edge in expertise and experience and James fits this model perfectly. We are enormously excited about the future.”

Garrett Curran, Managing Partner at GCP said:

“I am delighted to welcome James to the Flint team. He brings great expertise and experience across politics and policy and will be key in the business’ continued growth. We are excited for the next phase in Flint’s outstanding growth journey.”

Read Flint Global’s full release here

Read the FT’s coverage of James’ appointment here