Chief Research Officer at Focaldata, Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, Advisory Board Member of Onward & Former Partner of Polling & Data Science at Hanbury Strategy

James Kanagasooriam is a leading authority on political polling, geo-demographics and behavioural analytics, widely recognised for helping organisations understand the forces shaping modern society. As the Chief Research Officer at Focaldata, James works at the forefront of data science and public opinion research, advising on how people think, vote and respond to social change. Alongside his role as an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow and Advisory Board Member of Onward, he has become one of the UK’s most respected commentators on demographics, political behaviour and cultural identity. James is hired as a speaker for his ability to decode complex societal trends and translate them into commercially relevant insights for leadership audiences.

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, James began his professional journey in finance as an Investment Banking Strategist at Rothschild & Co. His second major role came at Populus, where he became Head of Analytics and Political Strategy. During this period, James led sophisticated analytical work for major political campaigns, including the Scottish Conservatives during the Scottish parliamentary elections and General Election campaigns. His expertise covered segmentation analysis, structural equation modelling, principal component analysis and voter choice modelling. He later moved into consulting with OC&C Strategy Consultants before transitioning into political strategy and polling. He later joined Hanbury Strategy as Partner of Polling and Data Science before co-founding Stack Data Strategy in 2021.

James has contributed extensively to public discourse through articles for The Times Red Box and appearances on BBC Newsnight and BBC Radio 3. Across the past decade and a half, he has advised on more than ten major campaigns spanning the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland. His expertise in geo demographics and political engagement has made him a sought after voice on the relationship between identity, behaviour and decision making.

Whether speaking to corporate leaders, political organisations or academic audiences, James delivers intelligent, data rich presentations that challenge conventional thinking. He is particularly valued for explaining how demographic change and behavioural psychology influence leadership, communication and organisational strategy. Combining academic rigour with real world campaign experience, James equips audiences with a deeper understanding of influence, persuasion and the future of public opinion.

Why Hire James Kanagasooriam?

James Kanagasooriam is hired as a speaker for his unrivalled expertise in political behaviour, geo demographics and behavioural analytics. Drawing on experience from international political campaigns, major corporate projects and high profile media commentary, he provides audiences with powerful insights into what drives human decision making and social change. James is an engaging and articulate presenter who simplifies complex data into compelling narratives that resonate with leadership teams and conference audiences alike. Through appearances on platforms such as BBC Newsnight and Radio 3, he has developed a reputation as a thought provoking communicator capable of delivering intelligent, commercially valuable keynote presentations.