James Smith

Galvanizer
DISC Type : Id

Group CEO at TalkTalk

United Kingdom

Overview

James Smith is the Group CEO of TalkTalk and its wholesale business, PXC, leveraging deep expertise in strategic transformation and corporate finance. A University of Oxford graduate, he previously spent nine years as CFO at FTSE 250 Capricorn Energy after an extensive investment banking career with Rothschild and Merrill Lynch.


He led TalkTalk through a major £2bn balance sheet restructuring and the strategic demerger of its consumer and wholesale divisions.

Personality Overview

Trusting

Persuader

Socially Adept

They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies.  They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary. They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions.

Topics They Care About

Corporate Transformation
He has a strong track record of driving strategic change, including leading the demerger of TalkTalk's businesses and a £2bn balance sheet restructuring.
Telecoms Wholesale Market
As CEO of PXC, he is focused on reshaping the wholesale market and establishing the company as the UK's leading aggregator of alternative fibre networks.
M&A and Financing
His background is rooted in investment banking and he has extensive experience leading M&A transactions, equity financing, and major refinancing deals in his CFO and CEO roles.

Media Appearances

James has no verified media appearances

Work History

9-2024
Group CEO at TalkTalk
9-2024
Chief Executive Officer at PXC
4-2023 - 9-2024
Group CFO at TalkTalk
2-2014 - 4-2023
Chief Financial Officer at Capricorn Energy PLC
1-2008 - 1-2014
Director at Rothschild & Co

Education

1996 - 1999
Master's degree from University of Oxford

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 26 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Leadership Designation : Group CEO at TalkTalk
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Insights For Selling To James

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Present testimonials from existing customers about their experience with your product
  • Focus on building a relationship, it can play a key role in their decision making
  • Find ways to push them a little if they don’t start giving a clear yes or no in due course

DONT's

  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions, but take a friendly and warm approach
  • Don’t be excessively objective, focus on building a story first
  • Do not come across as negative or non-supportive, work with them as a partner

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with James is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from James

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will James move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can James take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And James

Personality Compatibility


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