James McMaster, Ella's Kitchen Europe co-MD

Age: 31

Works at: Ella’s Kitchen Europe

Job title: Co-managing director

When Gü founder James Averdieck was asked to name an individual he would invest £100m in, he named his former operations director James McMaster. And he is by no means alone in praising “gentle-mannered” McMaster, with others talking of his entrepreneurial skills, leadership ability and willingness to “take on accountability beyond his years”. After leaving Gü, McMaster joined Ella’s Kitchen, where he led product development and operations before being promoted to co-MD this summer. “His finger prints are over the Ella’s success story,” says one nomination. “He constantly delivered ideas, management, stewardship of operations and NPD,” says another. Food and drink is McMaster’s passion, but his business interests are not limited to grocery - he also sits on the advisory board of The Fold, a modern fashion brand for professional women.

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