James Matthews (racing driver)
James Matthews | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 21, 1975 United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Racing driver, hedge fund executive, estate manager |
| Known for | British Formula Renault Champion (1994), CEO of Eden Rock Capital Management, Laird of Glen Affric |
James Spencer Matthews (born 21 August 1975) is a former British professional racing driver, hedge fund executive, and the heir to the Scottish feudal designation of Laird of Glen Affric. In 2017, he wed Pippa Middleton, the sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Early life and education
Matthews is the firstborn child of David Matthews, who shifted from automobile dealership to owning the luxury Eden Rock resort in St Barths, alongside holding the lairdship of the expansive 10,000-acre Glen Affric estate in Scotland. His mother, Jane Matthews (née Spencer Parker), an artist originating from Zimbabwe, pursued her studies at London's Slade School of Art. He is also the elder sibling of Spencer Matthews, recognized for his role on the reality television series Made in Chelsea.
The family possesses a distinguished hunting lodge situated within their Scottish property. Tragically, Matthews’ brother Michael passed away in 1999 on Mount Everest after becoming the youngest British climber to reach its summit. Educated at Uppingham School, Matthews received training as a securities trader at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg (now integrated into Goldman Sachs). In 1997, he commenced work at Nordic Options Ltd, a financial firm spun out from Spear, where he advanced to the position of senior equity options trader.
Racing
Matthews participated in the British Formula 3 Championship and clinched the British Formula Renault Championship title in 1994 racing for Manor Motorsport. That same year, he also earned the championship in the Eurocup Formula Renault series.
City career
Starting his career as a trader in London's financial district in 1995, Matthews went on to co-establish Eden Rock Capital Management in 2001—named after his father’s Eden Rock hotel—and currently serves as its Chief Executive Officer. By 2007, the company was managing assets exceeding £1 billion. In 2017, David Friedman described Matthews’ personal net worth as nearing or surpassing half a billion pounds independently.
In July 2016, reports identified Eden Rock Capital Management as a significant investor in a failed Scottish enterprise under investigation for fraud involving £90 million.
Glen Affric
Since 2007, Matthews has held the position of sole managing director at Beaufort Glen Affric Ltd, which administers the Glen Affric Estate located in the Scottish Highlands. As the eldest son, he is entitled to use the courtesy title Laird of Glen Affric and may be styled James Matthews of Glen Affric, the Younger.
His brother-in-law, James Middleton, has organized deer stalking activities on the Glen Affric Estate.
Personal life
Matthews became engaged to Pippa Middleton, sister to Catherine, Princess of Wales, in July 2016. Their marriage took place on 20 May 2017.
The couple welcomed their son in 2018 at St Mary's Hospital, London. They subsequently had two daughters: their eldest born in 2021 and another daughter arriving in 2022.
An enthusiast of endurance sports, Matthews has competed in events such as the Marathon des Sables, the swim-run challenge Ötillö, and the cross-country ski marathon known as Birkebeinerrennet.