James Kanagasooriam

Chief Research Officer at Focaldata, Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow & Former Partner of Polling & Data Science at Hanbury Strategy

James Kanagasooriam’s Biography:

James Kanagasooriam is a renowned political polling expert, data strategist and authority on geo-demographics, recognised for helping organisations understand the social and behavioural forces that shape public opinion. As the Chief Research Officer at Focaldata, an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, and an Advisory Board Member of Onward, James has become one of the UK’s most respected commentators on political behaviour and cultural trends. Regularly analysing why people vote, engage and respond to change, he is hired as a speaker for his ability to turn complex data into clear, thought provoking insights for business and political audiences alike.

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, James began his career as an Investment Banking Strategist at Rothschild & Co. His interest in analytics and behavioural trends led him into political strategy, where he joined Populus and rose to become Head of Analytics and Political Strategy. During this time, he worked extensively with two of Britain’s major political parties and several FTSE 250 organisations, specialising in segmentation analysis, structural equation modelling and voter behaviour. James also worked in management consultancy with OC&C Strategy Consultants. James later became Partner of Polling and Data Science at Hanbury Strategy before co-founding Stack Data Strategy.

Alongside his consultancy and polling work, James has contributed widely to political and cultural debate through his writing for The Times Red Box and appearances on BBC Newsnight and BBC Radio 3. Over the past decade and a half, he has worked on more than ten international political campaigns across Europe, North America and Australasia, building a reputation for delivering sophisticated insights into electoral psychology and public engagement.

James is particularly valued for his ability to explain how demographic change, cultural identity and behavioural trends influence modern decision making. His presentations combine academic expertise with real world campaign experience, giving audiences practical perspectives on leadership, communication and influence in an increasingly data driven world.

Why Hire James Kanagasooriam?

James Kanagasooriam is hired as a speaker for his exceptional understanding of political psychology, behavioural data and geo-demographics. Drawing on experience across international election campaigns, corporate strategy projects and media commentary, he explains how organisations can better understand people, predict behavioural shifts and communicate more effectively. His talks are highly engaging, combining data science with compelling storytelling and practical applications for leadership teams, businesses and policymakers. Having contributed to major media platforms including BBC Newsnight and Radio 3, James is an accomplished communicator who delivers insightful, intelligent and commercially relevant keynote presentations.

James Kanagasooriam’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define James Kanagasooriam’s remarkable career:

• 2022 – Became a research assistant in the policy institute at King’s College London, contributing to political and policy research.
• 2021 – Co-founded Stack Data Strategy as CEO, advising organisations on data driven strategy and behavioural analysis.
• 2019 – Appointed Partner of Polling and Data Science at Hanbury Strategy.
• 2018 – Worked as a management consultant at OC&C Strategy Consultants, advising businesses on commercial and strategic growth.
• 2017 – Led analytical strategy work during the UK General Election, supporting major political campaign operations.
• 2016 – Directed analytics and political strategy projects during the Scottish parliamentary elections at Populus.
• 2014 – Became Head of Analytics and Political Strategy at Populus, specialising in voter modelling and behavioural analysis.
• 2012 – Joined Rothschild & Co as an Investment Banking Strategist.
• 2010 – Graduated from University of Cambridge.