Former FBI Programmer, Google Engineering Director for Chrome & Maps, Microsoft Distinguished Engineer, Technology Author & CTO

James Whittaker is a renowned technology leader whose career spans some of the world’s most influential organisations. Beginning as a programmer for the FBI, he went on to shape the future of software development, security, and large-scale platforms through senior positions at Microsoft and Google. As Engineering Director at Google, he guided the development of Chrome, Google Maps and Chrome OS. As a Distinguished Engineer at Microsoft, he advanced the Bing Information Platform. Recognised internationally for his expertise, James has become one of the most prominent figures in the global technology industry.

Credentials and Impact

James has built an extraordinary career in technology, underpinned by a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee. His early work as a programmer and system administrator for the FBI laid the foundation for his technical expertise, as he developed systems to streamline agent caseloads. He later travelled across thirteen countries as a freelance developer, collaborating with organisations such as IBM, Cisco, SAP and Ericsson. In 2001, James founded Security Innovation and went on to become a Professor of Computer Science at the Florida Institute of Technology, securing over twelve million dollars in sponsored research.

His corporate journey accelerated at Microsoft in 2006 as an Architect, before moving to Google in 2009 as Engineering Director, where he led teams responsible for high-profile products including Google Maps. Returning to Microsoft in 2012, he progressed to Distinguished Engineer and Technical Evangelist. He has also held executive positions as Chief Technology Officer at Biscuit Labs and Chief Strategy Officer at DefinedCrowd Corp. With every role, James has demonstrated deep technical leadership, global influence, and an unmatched ability to drive innovation in the technology sector.

Publications and Media

James has contributed extensively to the technology industry through books, articles and media appearances. He is a bestselling author with multiple titles, including ‘The 7 Stages of Creativity’ and ‘How Google Tests Software’, for which he was recognised as a Jolt Award finalist. His insights have also reached global audiences, cementing his reputation as both a thought leader and a communicator. By combining technical expertise with storytelling, James has made a lasting contribution to the way technology is understood and applied worldwide.

Why Hire James Whittaker?

James is booked as a technology speaker for his rare ability to bridge technical depth with accessible insight. His keynote appearances showcase not only his leadership across companies such as Google and Microsoft but also his capacity to inspire audiences on the future of digital innovation. James has spoken at influential gatherings such as the CIO Summit, Advertising Week Europe, Business Insider Ignite, Digital Life Design and ANA Disrupt at CES. His wide-ranging experience, from leading engineering teams at global technology giants to founding his own company, gives him a uniquely credible voice. Organisers seek him out for his ability to energise audiences, predict industry shifts and share compelling stories drawn from decades of pioneering work at the forefront of technology.

To book James to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.