Born and raised in Christchurch, James Pomeroy was Educated at Middleton Grange School and Ara Institute of Canterbury. Graduating in 2019 with a Diploma in Business in conjunction with a Certificate in Business Ownership and Entrepreneurship, to enable him to build on nearly ten years of acquired skills in the hospitality industry at senior management level.

An active member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he has been able to connect and build strong relationships across the community including with Christchurch Pride and AIDS Foundation but also in a more personal way with the community outside of the organisations. Along with his partner Philip, they are often at LGBTQIA+ events along with senior members and leaders of the community. He particularly enjoys a close relationship with the Chair and vice- Chair of Christchurch Pride and many Board Members, as well as Rainbow Labour.

As a Member of the Institute of Directors, James has gained valuable skills and networks within the wider Governance Sector. Some of these skills include Governance best practice and management of NFP’s. This professional development is on-going and gives great insight into the many challenges that Boards of all shapes and sizes face in the modern workplace.

His work with the Christchurch City Choir is of particular note, having been able to achieve the most financially successful seasons for the organisation in nearly a decade. During his tenure he was instrumental in achieving a number of corporate sponsors along with a re-brand to modernise the organisation to allow diversity and continued growth with audiences. He continues to support many Arts organisations ad hoc. He, through Pomeroy Group, is delighted to be a Principal Sponsor of this year’s Christchurch Aria, the prerequisite competition for the national Lexus Song Quest run by the Dame Malvina Major Foundation.

Naturally, hospitality is the industry in which most of his experiences are made up. This led to the creation of Pomeroy Group – a hospitality business advisory and recruitment firm. With having so much experience, and not afraid to ask the hard questions, he is able to advise on a number of topics and provide advice to ensure effective change with positive outcomes.