James Hudson

I build commercial engines — from zero-revenue startups to acquisition-ready businesses, and across established organisations navigating new markets. Most recently, co-founded Shahin LLC, grew it into one of the UAE's largest EV charging networks, and led the company through strategic acquisition by a top-five Asian new-energy conglomerate in 2025 — covering go-to-market architecture, government partnerships across RTA, DEWA, and Net Zero 2050 frameworks, institutional fundraising, and exit execution. Across 18 years, have led B2B and B2G commercial teams spanning the UAE, GCC, India, the UK, and Europe — building revenue where it didn't exist before, and structuring the teams, channels, and processes to sustain it.

At my best in complex, relationship-driven environments: long sales cycles, senior stakeholders, and deals that require patience, credibility, and commercial rigour to close.

Currently Senior Commercial

Director at Ushine Holding, developing cross-border investment and commercial platforms aligned with UAE Economic Vision 2030.

Senior Commercial Director at Ushine Holding (2023-01 – Present)

Lead commercial strategy and client acquisition across cross-border investment, tourism, real estate, and enterprise setup platforms

• Lead commercial strategy and client acquisition across cross-border investment, tourism, real estate, and enterprise setup platforms
• Develop and manage a pipeline of institutional and UHNW clients, driving full sales cycles from prospecting through to deal closure and account retention
• Negotiate and structure commercial partnerships and bilateral business channels between the UAE and European and Asian markets
• Engage executive-level stakeholders across government entities, developer groups, and sovereign-aligned investors to position platform offerings within UAE Economic Vision 2030 frameworks
• Identify new revenue lines and market entry opportunities, translating strategic priorities into executable commercial plans

Co-Founder & Chief Sales Officer at Shahin LLC (2021-01 – 2025-01)

Co-founded and scaled an EV charging infrastructure company from launch to national presence — building the commercial engine from zero across B2B and B2G markets. Acquired by a top-five Asian new-energy conglomerate in 2025.

• Co-founded and scaled an EV charging infrastructure company from launch to national presence — building the commercial engine from zero across B2B and B2G markets
• Defined and executed the full go-to-market strategy: revenue architecture, pricing model, channel design, and key account targeting
• Secured partnerships with major property developers and government entities including RTA and DEWA, navigating long-cycle, multi-stakeholder procurement processes
• Raised institutional investment across multiple funding rounds; led commercial negotiations and transaction structuring, culminating in acquisition by a top-five Asian new-energy conglomerate in 2025
• Embedded the business within UAE smart city and Net Zero 2050 frameworks, positioning Shahin as a government-aligned strategic partner
• Built and led a sales team of 8, driving performance, pipeline discipline, and B2B/B2G revenue growth

International Area Manager — India at Premium German Kitchen Brand (2017-01 – 2021-01)

Led market entry and commercial development for a premium German kitchen brand across India, building distribution networks and retail partnerships across 12 cities from the ground up

• Led market entry and commercial development for a premium German kitchen brand across India, building distribution networks and retail partnerships across 12 cities from the ground up
• Recruited, onboarded, and managed a network of regional distributors and trade partners, establishing a scalable channel architecture
• Delivered 20% year-on-year revenue growth, generating multi-million AED annual turnover across the Indian market
• Managed regional P&L and coordinated commercial and product localisation strategy with German headquarters
• Developed key account relationships with major property developers and interior design groups, securing long-term supply agreements

Progressive B2B Sales and Business Development Roles at Various Companies (MEED, Al Futtaim Marine, Bush & Noble, Clipper Marine UK, ITP Publishing) (2008-01 – 2017-01)

Progressive B2B sales and business development roles across marine, trade intelligence, and publishing sectors

• Built core commercial skills across key account management, channel development, new business prospecting, and market entry
• Worked across marine, trade intelligence, and publishing sectors in the UAE, UK, and international markets

Executive MBA in Business Administration – University of Northampton (2026-01)