Chief Technology Officer
James Bush
I'm a technology and product executive, currently CTO at Cohabit. I lead across product, platform and engineering, connecting technical decisions to customer value and the next stage of growth.
My work has taken me from interactive development and founding technology practices to innovation at CommBank and Accenture, and creative technology leadership at dentsu. I work where technology, product and the business need to move together.
In the industry since 19991
Before the first iPhone, introduced in 2007.
Career
Full history- CohabitChief Technology OfficerOctober 2024 – Present
- dentsuHead of Creative Technology, Australia & New ZealandAugust 2023 – September 2024
- CommBankExecutive Manager, Emerging Technology2021 – 2023
- AccentureDirector, Innovation & Technology2017 – 2021
- StreakerFounder, Technology Director2014 – 2017
- M&C SaatchiCreative Technology Director2012 – 2014
October 2024 – Present
Chief Technology Officer
Cohabit
Leading technology across product, platform, engineering and business systems. Setting technology and product direction, shaping the platform architecture and establishing the delivery practices needed for the next stage of growth.
August 2023 – September 2024
Head of Creative Technology, Australia & New Zealand
dentsu
Led the ANZ creative technology practice and served on the ANZ leadership team, accountable for technology strategy, delivery quality, team performance and partner capability. Led a cross-border engineering team delivering websites and mobile applications.
2021 – 2023
Executive Manager, Emerging Technology
CommBank
Led a team accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies through building, experimentation and investment. The innovation portfolio spanned 5G, AI, machine learning, distributed ledger technology, blockchain and Web3.
2017 – 2021
Director, Innovation & Technology
Accenture
Managed C-suite relationships and multidisciplinary teams across strategy, innovation and delivery. Connected customer science, design and technology leadership to commercial and operational goals.
2014 – 2017
Founder, Technology Director
Streaker
Established and ran a technology practice helping agencies solve complex problems and prototype solutions at the intersection of creativity and technology. Owned the proposition, delivery and client relationships.
2012 – 2014
Creative Technology Director
M&C Saatchi
Moved from the UK to lead the digital production arm, managing 50 designers, developers, animators and producers. Launched technology-led experiences including YouTube Live at the Opera House, Optus Clever Buoy and Lexus Heartbeat Car.
2011 – 2012
Technical Director
Stink
2010 – 2011
Digital Director
Karmarama
2005 – 2010
Founder & Technical Director
Dead Technical
2004 – 2005
Head of Technology
Frukt Music
2002 – 2004
Head of Technology
NWYH
2001 – 2002
Lead Interactive Developer
Technicolor
1999 – 2001
Interactive Developer
AMX Studios
Education
BSc (Hons) Business Decision Information Systems
Bournemouth University
Study in progress
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Selected work
- YouTube Live at the Opera House
A technology-led experience launched during my time as Creative Technology Director at M&C Saatchi.
- Optus Clever Buoy
One of the technology-led experiences launched by the M&C Saatchi practice I led.
- Lexus Heartbeat Car
Creative technology work from my time leading digital production at M&C Saatchi.