James Carty sets the strategic direction for the foundation’s government relations, advocacy, communications, and partnerships across the Middle East and East Asia, including relationships with major donor countries such as Japan, Korea, and the Gulf States. He joined the foundation in 2021 and is based in the London office.

In his current role, James supports several large-scale foundation-led initiatives, including the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, a US$2 billion project financing initiative based at the Islamic Development Bank; and the Global Institute for Disease Elimination, based in Abu Dhabi.

Previously, James worked extensively in the Middle East region as a consultant on policy and strategy at the executive branch level. He also worked with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, supporting his work on government reforms and key priorities in a number of countries around the world.

James lived in Beirut, Lebanon, for 11 years, moving there after a sabbatical during which he walked 3,650 miles from London to Jerusalem for interfaith peace.

James holds a B.A. in modern history from the University of Oxford and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School.