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James Lenaghan
Over 30,000 connections, please FOLLOW me. Customs & Trade Compliance Advisor - Trade Facilitation - Customs Modernisation - International Customs Law & Administration - BREXIT - UK & EU - ASEAN -
Professional Background
James Lenaghan is a distinguished Senior Customs Compliance and Trade Facilitation Consultant with an exceptional breadth of experience working across over 60 countries on global customs matters. With a rich career that has spanned numerous prestigious roles, James has made a significant impact in the area of customs and trade facilitation. Most notably, he served as a Customs Partner at Deloitte's Asia-Pacific Customs Centre of Excellence, where he guided numerous multinational clients in navigating the complexities of international trade compliance.
Not only has James worked at Deloitte, but he also held the position of Customs Director at the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). In this capacity, he was tasked with overseeing the operations of 650 officers, a responsibility he managed with skill and dedication. His leadership ensured the efficient collection of approximately $1 billion in tax revenue, showcasing his expertise in customs compliance and trade facilitation. James's commitment to excellence in customs operations is evidenced by his tenure as Vice-Chair of the World Customs Organisation - East & Southern African Region, where he represented the interests of 24 East and Southern African states from 2012 to 2013.
His career has also included senior roles in the Customs and Global Trade Groups of some of the world’s leading consulting firms including PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG. Before transitioning to consultancy, James was responsible for the in-house Customs and International Trade Department at BT plc, further building his extensive background in customs-related operations.
Education and Achievements
James's educational background is distinguished and diverse, consisting of multiple degrees and diplomas reflecting his commitment to continuous professional development. He holds double Master's degrees in International Customs Law and Administration as well as International Revenue Management, both completed at the University of Canberra where he achieved impressive GPA scores of 6.750 and 5.750 respectively.
Additionally, James has gained valuable certifications including professional qualifications from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and the Institute of Export, among others. He also possesses a BSc (Honours) in Information Technology from the Open University of Mauritius and has participated in various specialized training programs such as the Diploma in Strategic Export Compliance Studies and a BTEC in Security Management Systems for the Supply Chain. His qualifications not only bolster his expertise but also reflect his comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted environment of international trade and customs.
His achievements extend to impactful commercial customs consulting assignments throughout regions including Western and Eastern Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Far East. James has collaborated with significant global organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, UNDP, World Bank, and the European Union. His capacity-building initiatives in customs have positively influenced countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Romania, and many others, showcasing his abilities in enhancing customs protocols and trade flows globally.
Professional Affiliations
Beyond his extensive experience and education, James is an active member of the UK's Customs Practitioners Group, where he collaborates with other professionals to influence customs regulation and practice. He also serves as the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport's Customs and International Trade Forum, where he engages in thought leadership and promotes industry best practices.
Core Expertise
James Lenaghan covers the full spectrum of customs and international trade casework from both compliance and planning perspectives. His areas of expertise include but are not limited to:
- Customs Compliance
- Trade Facilitation
- Valuation and Classification of Goods
- Supply Chain Security
- Protection of Intellectual Property
- Freight Management
- Export Controls Through these core facets of his work, he is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive advisory services that help businesses achieve compliance while optimizing their supply chain processes. His knowledge of international trade dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and operational strategies empowers his clients to navigate the complexities of global markets effectively.
James's reputation as a thought leader and expert in customs and trade issues has allowed him to make substantial contributions to global public sector reform initiatives, enhancing trade facilitation, which is essential for economic growth and development in both developing and developed countries.
Notable Achievements
- Over 15 years of experience in customs compliance and trade facilitation
- Played a vital role in managing customs operations that generated US$1 billion in tax revenue
- Successfully represented 24 countries as Vice-Chair at the WCO-ESA Region
- Consulted for major international organizations including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank
Conclusion
In summary, James Lenaghan's career reflects a blend of professional excellence, deep knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to improving customs practices worldwide. Through his leadership roles, and diverse expertise, he has substantially impacted international trade and customs facilitation, earning him recognition as a go-to consultant in the field.
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