Following a degree in Materials Science and Engineering and a Masters in Tribology, Jim went on to complete his PhD on the Tribology of Ceramic on Ceramic Hip Joints at the University of Leeds in the UK.

Jim has held Research and Product Management positions at Corin working with total and uni-compartmental knee replacements and hip resurfacing in particular before joining Zimmer to manage their UK Hip Portfolio.  Jim joined Stryker Europe in 2006 to manage their conservative hip and tribology programs for Europe.  Jim then moved to the USA as Director, Hip Research in November 2008.

Through 2015 and 2016 Jim also gained responsibility for knee and robotic research as the Senior Director of Joint Replacement Research. This role included managing both bench and clinical research in support of existing products and those currently under development. In 2021 Jim also assumed responsibility for European research and the Advanced Technology group as Vice President Advanced Technology and Research.

The Advanced Technology group is responsible for platform technologies such as 3D printing, advanced materials and processes as well as applied biomechanics, concept development and bench testing. Already a Chartered Engineer, in 2012 Jim was elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in the UK.  In 2013 Jim was also elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.