About

James Kirkham is a brand strategist, business advisor, broadcaster and cultural commentator with over 20 years’ experience working at the intersection of media, technology and youth culture. He co-founded holler, one of the UK’s earliest digital shops. It was the first agency in the world to market a TV show using social media when launching 'Skins', permanently changing how audiences engage with television. James is a regular media contributor, appearing on Sky News, CNN, BBC 5 Live, 6Music and TalkTV, offering clear-eyed commentary on platforms, power, attention and cultural change. His weekly newsletter 'Inked In & Iconic' has been featured by Fast Company and Cannes Lions. Previously, James helped scale COPA90 into a global Gen Z football platform, and as CMO of Defected Records helped turn club culture into a global digital moment, including a virtual festival that drew 50 million views, raised $2.5m for Covid relief and turned homes into dancefloors worldwide. Today, through ICONIC, he advises brands on culture, fandom and life after the feed.