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James Lewry

Director

About James Lewry

James Lewry head shot

Director

James Lewry is a director of consulting with Kumi based in London. James helps our clients to build responsible sourcing practices and manage their exposure to ESG and social sustainability risks in their supply chains.

He draws on an academic background and career in risk management and responsible business and advises multinational companies on responsible sourcing in supply chains, risk and crisis management, with a specialist interest in social risks.

Prior to his role with Kumi, James worked for an international specialist risk consultancy for 17 years helping clients to manage enterprise and supply chain risks in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

James is a fellow of the Security Institute and a governance risk and compliance professional (GRCP). He holds an MSc in risk management and has completed studies at Cambridge University (sustainable finance), NYU Stern (corporate sustainability), and the London School of Economics (crisis communications).

In his free time, James enjoys cycling, running, and triathlon, and can be generally found in the woods and hills of Surrey and Devon.

Latest insights from James Lewry

Insight

5 August 2026: A turning point for supply chain due diligence in China?

SUMMARY: China’s decision to place the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), Verité and four other due diligence and traceability organisations under its counter-sanctions regime creates uncertainty for companies conducting supply chain d...

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Close-up of hands working on fabric, highlighting workplace grievance mechanism concerns

Insight

Why your Grievance Mechanism (probably) doesn’t work. And how to fix it.

Guidance for sustainability and compliance teams on fixing grievance mechanisms that fail to capture or resolve workplace concerns.

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Close-up of an automotive affected by EU Batteries Regulation requirements

Insight

EU Batteries Regulation update: Two-year delay proposed, but no time to pause

Guidance for battery supply chain and sustainability teams on EU Batteries Regulation delays, due diligence obligations and 2027 compliance requirements.

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All aboard the Omnibus: why focusing on the destination, not the journey, is the best approach for business.

Insight

All aboard the Omnibus: why focusing on the destination, not the journey, is the best approach for business.

The European Commission’s Omnibus simplification package was introduced on 26 February 2025, but for businesses, it may have caused more uncertainty, not less. The proposal includes three of the EU’s sustainability regulations; the...

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Glowing shield surrounded by rings representing due diligence and third-party risk management

Insight

Selecting the right Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) platform for sustainability due diligence

Guidance for procurement and compliance teams selecting TPRM platforms for due diligence under EU Batteries Regulation and CSDDD.

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April Newsletter

Insight

Kumi Newsletter August 2024

No sooner had it begun, then it was over! As summer draws to an end here in Europe, it’s back to school and work after the holiday period. But global supply chains don’t stop! For the team at Kumi, the summer has been a busy period ...

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April Newsletter

Insight

Kumi Newsletter May 2024

Welcome to the second edition of our new monthly newsletters from Kumi, in which we share our insights on the latest responsible business developments. And what a busy month it’s been in the world of responsible business! The Eur...

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Social compliance audits as a risk assessment tool

Insight

Social compliance audits as a risk assessment tool

As reported in the Guardian, Human Rights Watch and multiple other reports in the past decade, the widespread use of social audits alone in the Fashion sector cannot address potential and actual adverse impacts, remediate abuses, or mitigat...

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Insight

Addressing forced labour risks in fashion supply chains

The latest KnowTheChain report highlights an increase in forced labour risks in garment and footwear supply chains. Economic challenges, including poverty and income inequality are creating fertile ground for exploitation as individuals des...

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Insight

Building effective grievance mechanisms: ten things to consider

The ability for an individual or group to report that they have been harmed by a company’s activities or relationships is a fundamental requirement in any responsible business. And yet, according to the International Labour Organisation (...

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Insight

Partnership announcement: Kumi and Gratiya join forces to advance responsible business practices in the Middle East

Kumi is pleased to announce our latest partnership with Gratiya Advisory, a leading, specialist consultancy based in the Middle East. Our new partnership combines Kumi’s specialism in building responsible business practices in global supp...

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Insight

Kumi’s analysis of the five myths of grievance mechanisms

Download Kumi’s analysis of the five myths of grievance mechanisms: Myth #1 – “Our corporate whistleblowing hotline is our grievance mechanism…” Myth #2 – “Everything must be fine because no one has raised a grievanc...

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