James Kanagasooriam is a distinguished expert in data analytics and political strategy, renowned for his unique blend of analytical acumen and strategic foresight. He is Chief Research Officer of the AI-enabled research firm Focaldata, having previously co-founded Stack Data Strategy. With a background in political science and a passion for innovation, James has been instrumental in transforming data-driven decision-making processes across various sectors, including finance, retail and tech, where his work has earned him recognition as a thought leader in both political and business circles.
From the Scottish referendum of 2014 onwards, James has worked on almost all of the referendums and elections in the UK since, as well as multiple Federal and provincial elections in Canada, the United States and Israel. Most famously he came up with the term and seat list the "Red Wall" in 2019. He is a regular contributor to the Times and Radio 4. He sits on the advisory board of centre-right think tank Onward and is a senior researcher at King’s College London.
