James Baker is the founder of Burbank Martial, a strategic communications and external relations advisory firm. He draws on deep experience across defence, aerospace, national security, government relations, media and strategic communication. His main focus is helping businesses communicate in environments where government, prime contractors and second-tier suppliers are critical stakeholders.
Previously, James led Communications and then Government Affairs for Boeing across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. He worked closely with federal, state and local governments, departments, agencies and industry stakeholders. His work included major defence and aerospace programs such as Loyal Wingman, AH-64 Apache helicopters, Wedgetail, C-17, Super Hornet, Growler, Chinook, P-8 Poseidon and others, as well as space-related policy and capability initiatives.
James’ earlier career included more than a decade in television as a journalist and then working in the Howard Government as a senior media advisor to high-profile ministers and members of the National Security Committee of Cabinet, across Trade, Foreign Affairs, Transport and Regional Services portfolios. He has also served part-time and full-time in the Australian Army in both Infantry and Public Affairs roles. He has deployed to Somalia, Timor-Leste and the Middle East Region.
