James Lambert
James Lambert is a real estate and retail investor. He is a founding shareholder and Deputy Chairman of The Bicester Collection which developed and operates Bicester Village and 11 sister villages in Europe, China and the US.
The Collection of Villages welcomed over 46 million visitors in 2024, including 6.7 million at Bicester Village, which has the highest sales densities of any shopping destination in the world.
His philanthropic activities are focused on the arts and education. He is the Business Trustee at the National Gallery, a Non-Executive Director at Castle Howard, and a founding Trustee and former Chair of IntoUniversity.
James received an award to study at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. His first career was as an art dealer at Colnaghi, where he was a Director and Head of the Old Master department. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his services to social mobility in education.
James Lambert has been reappointed for a term of four years, commencing on 23 December 2025.
Remuneration and Governance Code
This role is not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.
James Lambert has declared that he, and an English company he controls, Caverncharm Limited, made recordable political donations in the period 11 November 2019 to 27 June 2023, as shown on the Electoral Commission donation register. James has not declared any other political activity.
Notes to Editors
DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.