James Field

James Field is a brand architect, strategist, and operator who thrives at the intersection of creativity and commerce. With a track record of driving growth and innovation in the food and beverage industry, he has helped build, scale, and transform some of the most recognized brands in the space.

As Chief Innovation Officer at Jersey Mike’s Subs, James led an innovation team that generated $60M in incremental revenue and $4.5M in cost savings, contributing to the company’s $9B acquisition by Blackstone. He spearheaded product launches like Smoky & Spicy Cheesesteaks ($24M in sales), Sous Vide Brisket Pastrami ($10M in 30 days), and a dessert platform generating $1M in monthly recurring revenue. His ability to navigate the balance between brand heritage and innovation has been a defining factor in his success.

Before Jersey Mike’s, James founded BevWrx, a consultancy focused on emerging and restricted beverage categories, where he launched Buzzin’ by Lume, a first-of-its-kind cannabis beverage that became Michigan’s top-performing THC drink. He also played a critical role in scaling Arriba Chelada and introducing the first non-alcoholic michelada with Athletic Brewing. His work with 6666 Ranch and the Yellowstone franchise led to the development of a craft beverage line that generated $5M in sales within 18 months, demonstrating his ability to build premium products with mass-market appeal.

James was also instrumental in expanding Frey Farms into new fresh vegetable categories and developing its “Fresh Pour” beverage program, which generated $20M in new sales. His deep understanding of agricultural supply chains and procurement strategies allowed him to bridge the gap between farmers and retailers, optimizing production and distribution efficiencies.

Beyond his work in brand building, James has been an advocate for agricultural policy and testified before Congress on the 2018 Farm Bill, where he provided expert insight into supply chain efficiencies, cost reductions, and process optimizations that would benefit farmers and businesses alike. His ability to navigate regulatory landscapes while driving innovation has made him a sought-after leader in the industry.

His career includes leading marketing at L.A. Libations, where he helped raise $24M in funding from Molson Coors and Keurig Dr Pepper, and overseeing foodservice marketing at Cholula, where his work contributed to the brand’s $800M acquisition by McCormick. Beyond marketing, he has driven operational efficiencies, procurement strategies, and supply chain innovations that have saved companies millions while enabling sustainable growth.

James is, at his core, a builder—of brands, of businesses, and of creative ecosystems that drive results. His ability to blend storytelling with strategic execution makes him an invaluable force at Ajnci, where he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in branding, marketing, and design.