Our Chairman & CEO, James Reed CBE
Entrepreneur. Author. Activist. Our Chairman & CEO, James Reed CBE, leads the company with a passion for people, a heart for humanity, and a commitment to making work better for everyone.
Dubbed the ‘Recruitment King’ by The Times, our bee-keeping, Vespa-riding, tree-planting Chairman & CEO has been running Britain’s biggest recruitment company since 1997.
In that time, he’s supported the launch of multiple companies, including the UK’s number one recruitment website Reed.co.uk, and Reed's community services division, Reed in Partnership. He's also written numerous books on career development, and has embraced his adventurous side by climbing Mont Blanc and several other mountains, and by participating in Reed's Alpine Leadership Challenge.
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In his career development trilogy, James shows you how to write a winning CV, tackle the trickiest interview questions, and thrive in a career you truly love.
About James
Careers and leadership
With over three decades in both recruitment and business, James has weathered economic downturns, hired hundreds of people, and embraced the principles of good leadership. While he doesn’t have all the answers, he’s dedicated to supporting people from all walks of life develop meaningful careers through his books, articles, and media appearances.
Labour market & economic insights
A sought-after media commentator, James offers the latest labour market insights and economic predictions. He’s appeared on popular media outlets including the BBC, Sky News, and Bloomberg, using Reed’s job market data to comment on trends in business, the job market, and the economy.
Philanthropy
A passionate philanthropist, James is a trustee of the Big Give which has raised £280 million since inception, and the Reed Foundation which owns 18% of Reed. James hopes to encourage and support other businesses in making giving an intrinsic part of what they do, through his ‘philco’ initiative.
Without business, there would be no charity and without charity, what’s the point of business?
James' initiatives
EDSK
James is a supporter of EDSK, a think tank looking to tackle youth unemployment. Their recent report, sponsored by the Reed Group, found that a lack of support for pupils moving from education into employment is a major factor in the lack of progress many young people face in their careers.
Life's Work course
Life’s Work: How to get ahead in a career you love, is a free career development course hosted by James Reed alongside Executive Coach, Steph Rix. Based on James’ book ‘Life’s Work’, this course is for anyone who wants to make a change in their career but is stuck on what to do next. It’s jam-packed with insightful videos and practical exercises to help you build a career you truly love. Search ‘Life’s Work’ on Reed.co.uk/courses to get the free course now. (Free for a limited time).
Armed Forces Covenant
In March 2022, James signed the Arms Forces Covenant, which helps ensure that veterans and those serving in the armed forces are given equal treatment. The following year, we received a gold award for our efforts to support the armed forces. He said: “I’m proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Reed and to pledge our continued commitment to doing all we can to ensure those actively serving, reservists, veterans and military families are treated equitably and fairly.”
CBE award
James was awarded a CBE for his contributions to business and charity, which recognised the work he and the Reed Group have done through the Reed Foundation and the Big Give. He described receiving the award as "a great surprise and a great honour" and looks to continue "bringing in philanthropists, companies and foundations to double the value of public donations to thousands of charities" through Big Give.
Alec Reed Academy
The opportunity to find fulfilling work starts with education. In 2005, Sir Alec Reed invested in the development of state-of-the-art facilities for a new academy in Ealing, West London. Following this initial investment, Sir Alec continued to support the school through the Reed Foundation with multiple initiatives, and in 2012 the school was renamed the Alec Reed Academy to recognise his contribution to improving its students’ lives and education. Reed continues to work alongside the school, where James serves as a member of the board, to provide the best opportunity to its students.
The Reed Foundation
The Reed Foundation is a registered UK charity and is the biggest shareholder (18%) in the Reed Group, meaning that all of our co-members work one day a week for charity. Since it was founded by Sir Alec Reed in 1972, the foundation has given millions away to a variety of charitable causes. James is a long-standing trustee.
Get in touch with James
For press enquiries please contact Michael Cheary, Senior Brand and Communications Manager
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