Leading Financial Journalist

James Kirby is considered to be one of Australia's leading financial journalists. As a commentator, broadcaster and entrepreneur in his own right, he is one of the most insightful voices on Australian finance and investment sectors.

He is a former managing editor & co-founder of Business Spectator and Eureka Report and has previously worked at the Australian Financial Review and the South China Morning Post. James is a regular commentator on radio and television, author of several business biographies and has served on the Walkley Awards Advisory Board. He is a graduate of Ireland's UCG and Dublin City University and a qualified securities adviser in Australia.

James is currently the Wealth Editor of The Australian where he produces the paper's wealth section and a range of related online products. He writes a weekly column for The Weekend Australian and also presents a weekly video.

For many years he has presented a weekly segment on News Breakfast with Virginia Trioli and Michael Rowland at the ABC. He appears as a regular guest on a number of radio stations including ABC 774 in Victoria with Raf Epstein. He also co-presents a weekly podcast 'The Money Cafe' with Alan Kohler.

James was co-founder and shareholder in the AIBM group with Alan Kohler and Robert Gottliebsen. The AIBM group launched Eureka Report, Business Spectator and a range of related titles before it was sold to News Corporation in 2012. James was managing editor of the AIBM group. James is also chairman of Well Made Clothes, an online publishing and retail company.

Author

James has written a range of Australian business books including biographies of the late Richard Pratt and Harvey Norman's Gerry Harvey. He has also written the Australian edition of 'Investment for Dummies' along with 'My Mother's Diamonds', a television documentary on the holocaust assets affair.

James is one of the most popular 'new generation' business commentators who can adapt presentations and keynote speeches for any audience. His experience as both a commentator combined with his time as a 'hands-on' manager of a successful start-up company, creates a unique blend of professional commentary and practical business expertise. His 'outlook' presentations, which are a mix a sharp analysis of economic forecasts with precise observations on individual business sectors, have been applauded throughout Australia.

James's presentations are designed to connect with every audience member whether an investor, a manager, a salary earner, a retiree or simply an interested observer. His mission is to make the world of business, economics and investment accessible to every attendee. Moreover, James ensures that his presentations are not academic rather they are designed to offer take-aways, solutions, ideas and answers to audience members.

Presentation Topics Include

• The outlook for the Australian and global economies
  
• The outlook for the Australian financial services sector
  
• What economic development opportunities there are in Australia
  
• The sustainability of the Australian housing market
  
• Optimising opportunities in superannuation and SMSF’s

Why book James?

• James is a breath of fresh air on the Australian speaking circuit. Though he is a first class business analyst and commentator he also has the practical experience of running a business, which allows him to instantly connect with any audience.
• He has addressed every type of audience as diverse as caravan park owners to Chief Financial Officers; From librarians to rural development associations. He is always ready to tailor his presentations or MC style to the relevant audience.
• With a wide array of weekly media appearances and a key role in the national newspaper James is absolutely up-do-date on the key issues and trends that will affect your business, group or organisation in the months ahead.
• He is a favourite 'repeat' visitor at conferences he attends and is ready to offer a range of testimonials.
• He is also the author of the best-selling 'Business Secrets' series of books profiling leading Australian entrepreneurs.
• He was a co-founder and shareholder in the Australian Independent Business Media, which was taken over by News Ltd in 2012. As a result James has a clear understanding as to what it takes to create, build and run a successful business.
• James is an experienced corporate speaker with a warm 'Irish' anecdotal style who captures the excitement of big business through an entertaining and highly topical presentation. He is always contemporary in content and relevant to current news and events.

Testimonials

“I would rate James Kirby as one of the greatest speakers we have had for our event, which focused on Major Projects and Investment into the state. I’ve had the pleasure to work with James on two occasions, with approximately seven years between both speaking engagements, and would highly recommend him as a speaker. The feedback we received from those that attended said that James was the highlight of event, and would be happy to hear from him again at future events. James is passionate speaker who delivered a concise and easy to understand presentation for all level of understanding.”
Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy

“James has a great talent for isolating and explaining the key issues that are concerning his audience at any time.”
Robert Gottliebsen

“James Kirby’s presentation on the Australian economy, international outlook and regional implications was pertinent and of keen interest to our 100 strong audience which came from very diverse backgrounds. His informal style and ready capacity to quickly integrate local themes and information into the broader talk was greatly appreciated. A recommended speaker!”
Department of Employment

“James is always professional and has excellent presentation skills being able to both read from a script or ad lib. He is an engaging, witty and intelligent presenter.”
The Walkley Foundation

“Very good speaker and presenter. Appreciated his openness to make most of the day and conduct interviews with non-for-profit community media groups.”
Developing East Arnhem Limited