James Peters

James Peters is an elite sailor, Olympian, and keynote speaker known for bridging the high-performance world of Olympic sport with the strategic mindset of business. A natural communicator and engaging storyteller, James offers audiences a unique lens on leadership, teamwork, and resilience. He is best known for becoming the 2024 European Champion in the 49er class and representing Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he and his teammate finished seventh. His journey to the Olympic start line was a story of grit, near-misses, and a remarkable comeback - making him an authentic and inspiring presence on stage.

James began sailing at the age of four, growing up near the coast in Kent before becoming a member of Hayling Island Sailing Club. By his teenage years, he had already made a name for himself on the international stage, winning gold at the Youth World Championships (29er) and Junior World Championships (49er). In 2008, his potential was recognised with a nomination for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, a sign of the extraordinary talent and promise he displayed from a young age. He later earned a BSc in Physics, a degree that reflects the analytical discipline he brings to both his sailing and speaking.

James joined the British Sailing Team in 2009 and went on to compete at the highest level for over a decade. Partnering with Fynn Sterritt in the 49er class, the duo achieved World Cup gold medals on Olympic waters in both 2018 and 2019 and rose to World #1 ranking from 2018–2019. Despite narrowly missing out on selection for Tokyo 2020, James showed resilience by taking a step back from sailing and becoming a Strategy Consultant at Monitor Deloitte, where he helped multinational clients navigate complex growth decisions. He returned to sailing in 2021 and qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, capping his comeback with a European Championship title in 2024. In recognition of his leadership and strategic insight, James was appointed to the Olympic Steering Group in 2025, helping to shape the future of British Sailing.

James is an outstanding keynote speaker, offering insights into peak performance, teamwork, and resilience through stories drawn from both Olympic sport and corporate strategy. He connects deeply with business audiences, having worked inside the corporate machine himself. Whether talking about fighting for a medal or navigating setbacks, James delivers talks that are humble, thoughtful, and deeply human. His message resonates: whether you’re in a boardroom or on the water, success is built on trust, commitment, and relentless effort. For organisations seeking an inspiring voice who can blend sporting excellence with strategic thinking, James is the perfect choice.