Claire James qualified as a chartered accountant in 1979 after obtaining a degree in computer science with mathematics from Bristol University and completing her articles with Arthur Young.
She has worked as finance director in manufacturing, distribution, an NHS acute hospitals' trust and the Country Landowners Association. She set up companies in the UK and overseas as group finance director of a venture capital-backed group.
Claire joined the RIBA in May 2001 and is now responsible for finance, personnel, premises and projects, as well as being an executive member of the board and a director of RIBA Enterprises and the RIBA Journal.