After spending his early career touring with a band and living next to a beach in LA, James Roth joined TG0 as its Head of Consumer Electronics. Here, he talks about his musical roots, the satisfaction he gets from innovating life-changing products, and competing for England in judo.
*'We're selling an idea. The possibilities are endless.'*
**Hi James! Where are you from?**
I was born and grew up in Oxford and Reading. I spent my early career in London and LA, but my wife Debbie and I moved back to Reading around 20 years ago to raise our two kids and look after my parents.
**What did you want to be when you were growing up?**
I wanted to be a doctor like my Dad. But I wasn't clever enough. I got into university to study philosophy and psychology but I didn't go, much to my Mum's disappointment. I joined a band instead.
My Dad's side of the family has a lot of famous musicians. The Roth String Quartet was founded in Budapest in 1929, and the Roth Trio was made up of my grandfather on cello, his brother Nick on violin, and Nick's wife on piano. Apparently she was so good, Steinway made a piano just for her.
**What did you play?**
I played the trumpet. We went on tour as the supporting act for a very famous band who had seen us play at Reading University. I must have been 18 at the time — we were all too young to hire a minibus.
**What happened after the tour?**
After three or four months on tour we stayed together for another two or three years before realising we weren't actually that good. I decided to make some money and went to work in a music shop, then eventually worked in international sales for Alesis Studio Electronics. I was travelling back and forth between London and Los Angeles twice a month and ended up moving to LA for a bit — I had my own place on the beach.
**When did you come back to the UK?**
After four years in LA, I was headhunted by Simon Blackwood to join Spirit-by-Soundcraft, a division of Harman Professional. We grew the brand into a huge success within a short space of time. Following my success in the Harman Pro Division, I was appointed Managing Director of Harman Consumer, comprising the Harman-Kardon, JBL, and Infinity hi-fi brands.
**How did you hear about TG0?**
I spotted the job on LinkedIn and thought it looked hugely interesting, challenging, and fun. I joined the team almost three years ago.
**Tell me about your role?**
I focus on the audio sector, medical technology market, and there are a few e-bike opportunities thrown in for good measure. What we're doing with TG0 is selling an idea. The possibilities are endless.
**What do you enjoy most about the job?**
The diverse nature of the people and companies I speak to. Most are very senior within their industries — whether it's sales and marketing directors, CEOs, or Managing Directors — and they're always great fun to talk to. I also spend a lot of time looking at different sectors and brands to assess whether our technology could improve a product or functionality. It takes time and is a bit more targeted, but we're starting to see real traction.
**One surprising fact about yourself?**
I competed for England in judo — I was pretty good at it. It requires incredible focus and discipline, and I think it's shaped how I approach challenges in business.
