James Fry has an Oxford Economics DPhil from his time at Nuffield College. His first job was as an Economics Lecturer at the University of Zambia, with a period as Professeur Visiteur at l'Université Officielle du Congo, Lubumbashi, Katanga, DRC. He returned to the UK as Stipendiary Lecturer in Economics at Magdalen College, Oxford. His time in Central Africa helped to develop his interest in the economics of commodity markets, initially focusing on mining and minerals. He founded LMC International in 1980 which developed to become the world's largest consultancy in the economics of agriculture with offices in several countries. James has pursued a parallel career in local politics as an Oxford City Councillor and was Lord Mayor in 2022/23, chairing the committees on Audit, Finance and Budget.