James Gemmell

Event safety and operations specialist with over a decade of experience directing mass-participation road running events, live concerts, and branded activations across South Africa. Serves as Event JOC Lead and safety authority, responsible for SASREA compliance, SAPS CAT applications, city JOC and ESSPC submissions, and VOC command, with oversight of execution from initial planning through to final reporting. Directs multidisciplinary teams and multi-million-rand sponsorship activations, maintaining operational control under sustained event-day pressure.

Event Operations Consultant | Safety Officer at Harford Sports Promotions (HSP) (2024-01 – Present)

• Safety Officer & Event JOC Lead — Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg (2021–2023)
• Accreditation Management & Facilitation — Ride Joburg (2021, 2022, 2025)
• Safety Lead & Operations Director — Red Bull Wings for Life (2024–2025)
• Event JOC Lead & Safety Officer — Balwin Jeppe Marathon (2023–2025)
• Safety Officer — Standard Bank Fun Run (2025)
• Traffic Management Coordinator — Two Oceans Marathon & Comrades Marathon (2026)
• Lead Safety Officer, Event & Traffic Management — ABSA Run Your City 10K Series (DBN, JHB, PTA) & Totalsports Women's Run Series (DBN, JHB, PTA) (2026)

Project Manager & Safety Officer at Chaos Theory Productions (2022-01 – 2024-12)

• Logistics, Compliance & Event JOC Lead — Huawei Jacaranda Day 2023
• Lead Account & Project Manager for high-profile clients: Orlando Pirates, Marriott Bonvoy, Astron Energy
• Ran the full event lifecycle — concept, planning, logistics, staffing, compliance, post-event reporting
• Head Safety Officer: compiled safety files, ran risk assessments, liaised directly with SAPS, Metro Police, EMS, and JOC bodies
• Key projects: Nedbank Cup Final Fan Zones & Activations (2023–2024); Soweto Derby Branded Experiences (2023–2025); Orlando Pirates Trophy Tour (2023–2024)

Event Manager & Safety Officer at Harford Sports Promotions (HSP) (2014-01 – 2020-12)

• Led JOC and EMS submissions, presentations, and approvals at city authority level
• Chaired ESSPC (Event Safety & Security Planning Committee) meetings
• Managed venue logistics, public catering operations, and sponsor activation zones
• Procured sub-sponsorships and ran full sponsor relationship lifecycles
• Delivered risk assessments and compliance documentation across all major events
• Key events: 947 Cycle Challenge; 702 Walk the Talk; 947 Rhythm Run; Red Bull Wings for Life; Adidas Run Your Crew; Eminem Live in Concert (JHB); Avon Virtual Walk; Pick n Pay Marathon

Founder & Head Organiser — Grappling Industries JHB & Big Smoke Productions at Self-Employed (2024-01 – Present)

• National BJJ competition logistics, sponsorships, and safety management

Founder & Co-Owner at Johannesburg Grappling Club (JGC) (2021-01 – Present)

In partnership with Kazuno Judo, Melrose

• BJJ programme development
• Adult Gi and NoGi curriculum design
• Athlete development

Co-Owner at Gracie Barra Illovo (2019-01 – 2022-12)

Head of Safety & Logistics at Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling Association of South Africa / SABJJF (2017-01 – 2022-12)

Founder & Owner at Safety, Secured Consulting (2020-01 – Present)

Independent safety consulting practice

Matric – Redhill High School (2007-12)