James Stirk

James Stirk
Founder, SGS | Principal Consultant, ClarityScale

James Stirk is one of the founders and driving forces behind ClarityScale, as well as the principal architect of the SGS Growth Framework - a proven blueprint that empowers high-tech businesses to achieve Stabilisation, Growth, and long-term Sustainability. As a seasoned CEO, CRO, and board advisor, James draws on more than two decades of leadership across fintech, SaaS and enterprise solutions to help investors and executives unlock the full strategic and financial potential of their organisations.

Most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer at Tradeshift, James led initiatives that cemented the company’s position at the forefront of digital trade platforms, building scale and resilience in complex global markets. Prior to this, as Chief Revenue Officer, he designed and operationalised high-performing commercial engines, embedding customer-first cultures that delivered sustainable growth.

James’s experience spans leadership roles for both established multinationals (Fortune 500) and PE backed ventures (Oracle, FinancialForce and McAfee), where he orchestrated cross-functional teams across EMEA, the US, and APAC to deliver transformative go-to-market strategies and strategic partnerships. His hallmark is bringing strategic clarity and operational discipline to businesses at critical inflexion points, ensuring accelerated growth is underpinned by robust people, pipeline, partnerships, and process enablers - the core pillars of the SGS Growth Framework.

At ClarityScale, James applies this depth of expertise to support PE investors and scale-up CEOs, equipping them with the insight, operational maturity, and leadership systems needed to de-risk execution and multiply enterprise value. His principled, people-centric leadership philosophy ensures that while technology may power transformation, it is always people who drive it.

James holds a business and finance degree from the University of Lancashire and has completed executive management programs at Oxford University’s Business School. Beyond his advisory work, he contributes thought leadership on the intersection of AI, digital trade, and global supply ecosystems, championing the future of high-growth tech-enabled businesses.