James Nicholson

Head of Corporate Responsibility Trafigura

James is Head of Corporate Responsibility at Trafigura, having joined the company in 2010.

Responsible for driving Trafigura’s social performance agenda worldwide, James’ focus has included developing the company’s leadership position on commodity trading transparency and responsible value chains. 

In 2014, Trafigura became the first independent commodity trading company to publicly support the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and to disclose its substantial payments to governments.  The standard set by Trafigura latterly formed the basis of an industry reporting norm.  In 2019, James was appointed to the International Board of the EITI and currently Chairs the EITI’s Outreach and Candidature Committee.

James leads Trafigura’s efforts in pursuit of the responsible sourcing and supply of critical minerals.  Of note in this respect has been James’ initiation of various artisanal and small-scale mining formalisation projects worldwide, as well as efforts to drive greater respect for human rights in complex supply chains and operating environments.

Prior to Trafigura, James worked in a similar capacity at the De Beers Group for over 9 years.

Trafigura is a leading commodities group, owned by its employees and founded 30 years ago. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and worldwide logistics network to move oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through joint ventures H2Energy Europe and Nala Renewables.

The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, and our Impala Terminals joint venture. The Group employs over 12,000 people and is active in 156 countries.