James Baillieu
James Baillieu | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1968 Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Writer, activist investor |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Activist investing, writing, business leadership |
James Baillieu (born 1968) is an Australian writer and activist investor.
Early life and education
Born in 1968, Baillieu is the son of Ian Baillieu, a lawyer, and Marianne, who owns an art gallery. His family connections include former Premier Ted Baillieu, journalist and activist Kate Baillieu, and Olympian Will Baillieu.
He completed his schooling at Melbourne Grammar School before earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours from the University of Melbourne.
Career
In the early 1990s, Baillieu started his professional journey at Mallesons Stephen Jacques, later spending seven years at management consulting firm McKinsey & Co until 2001.
He was an early backer and held the position of senior vice president at Aconex, which Oracle acquired for A$1.6 billion in December 2017.
Between November 2017 and February 2019, Baillieu acted as chairman and the largest shareholder of ASX-listed BidEnergy, which ranked as the best-performing stock on the ASX in 2018. Following his removal from the chairmanship, he divested his shares and pursued legal proceedings that were ultimately resolved privately.
Baillieu is recognized for his confrontational style in business dealings. The Australian Financial Review labels him "seriously combative," while The Age refers to him as "the Baillieu family's chief spear thrower." Additionally, The Australian notes his role as an activist investor who “takes on the good fight.”
He regularly contributes to Crikey, The Spectator, as well as leading Australian newspapers such as the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Ukraine
Baillieu has been a vocal advocate for enhanced support to Ukraine, criticizing what he views as inadequate action by the Australian Government. Since his initial visit in July 2022, he has returned multiple times amid the ongoing conflict. In July 2024, he wrote an op-ed from frontline locations in Kharkiv and Kupiansk, providing insight into conditions on the ground.
Personal life
Residing in Melbourne with his wife Josephine, Baillieu's family includes their son Atlas, who achieved the title of Australian Junior Chess Champion. In December 2011, the couple hosted Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, and Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark, at their residence on the Mornington Peninsula.
In April 2025, the Baillieus organized a private literary gathering in Sorrento featuring speakers Joe Aston and Josh Frydenberg. The event attracted controversy when Corrie Perkins, director of the Sorrento Writers Festival and an uninvited party, criticized it; Baillieu responded decisively, underscoring that the event was locally owned.