news.

Retiring Mayor of South Perth, James Best has been appointed as Hames Sharley’s Director of Futures and Ideation. A Communication Strategist with over 20 years experience in Management Consulting, he will lead the way of visioning and the generation of ideas for Hames Sharley.

A Curtin University graduate in Politics and Sociology, James specialises in strategic community engagement and visioning through partnerships and consultation. He will occupy a pivotal role in Hames Sharley working across the national disciplines of Architecture, Interiors, Urban Design, Planning and Landscape to develop the processes and concepts of creative planning, ideation and visioning.

Reflecting on his appointment, James is excited at the prospect of contributing to Hames Sharley’s growth and advancing its strategic initiatives.

“Ideation, or the creation of ideas is at the core of developing Hames Sharley’s knowledge sector and setting the future direction using strategic visioning methodology that brings stakeholders together,” says James.

“Creating partnerships, engaging with stakeholders and gaining a deeper understanding allows for the creative process of imagining, developing, and communicating new ideas. This key aspect is crucial in business today and leads to successful mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Bringing an impeccable resume of work and valuable board and executive management experience, James’ expertise extends across Western Australia, having worked locally in Perth to starting his own consultancy in Karratha and quickly becoming the pre-eminent Business Advisor in the North West.

He has experience with organisations of all sizes and from all sectors, including mining, oil & gas giants (BHP Billiton, Woodside, Epic Energy); state government agencies (Water Corporation, Pilbara Development Commission, WA Police Service): local governments (Shire of Roebourne, Town of Port Hedland, Shire of Shark Bay Town of Cambridge, & Town of Vincent); not-for-profit organisations (Karratha Chamber of Commerce, Safer WA) and many local small businesses such as the Applied Innovation Centre.