RISING STARS: GCS OF TOMORROW

Kendra James is senior counsel in The Financial Times (FT) legal team, where she advises on intellectual property, commercial transactions and brand strategy and manages the FT’s worldwide trade mark and domain name portfolios. Ian Gruselle of Bristows, who supports James on trade mark work, says: ‘She is quick to understand issues concerning the clients’ rights, whether it is in China, the Middle East, Europe or the Americas, taking strategic decisions to make sure that the FT remains an iconic brand protected around the world.’ GC Dan Guildford highlights the important role she plays in the company: ‘The FT is recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy of news reporting, and her brand protection work, which includes creating and implementing internal brand policies and guidelines, is therefore hugely important to our business.’ James also advises on print and distribution relationships around the world, strategic commercial partnerships, advertising and marketing matters, brand updates and refreshes, and key advertising campaigns (including the FT’s current ‘black and white’ campaign). She established the legal team’s first work experience programme, which aims to give university-level students from wider backgrounds insight into in-house legal work, and is involved in the FT’s Seasonal Appeal, which raises donations and awareness for charities. Before joining the FT in 2015, James held roles with the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland, LOCOG (the organising committee for the London 2012 games) and the Jamie Oliver Media Group.