James Bruton is a seasoned fractional COO/CFO, business strategist, and embedded executive leader with more than 20 years of experience helping companies scale smarter, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate sustainable revenue growth.
Throughout his career in both Chicago and Des Moines, James has partnered with startups, growth-stage businesses, nonprofit organizations, and companies navigating complex turnaround situations. His expertise lies in identifying operational roadblocks, building scalable infrastructure, and implementing business strategies that improve profitability while enhancing customer experience.
As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of a Chicago-based interactive marketing firm, James led operational strategy during a period of rapid organizational growth. He developed internal systems, streamlined workforce planning, and built scalable processes that supported significant revenue expansion. His leadership played a critical role in preparing the organization for acquisition by a publicly traded company—ensuring operational continuity, team alignment, and long-term enterprise value.
After relocating to Des Moines, James has continued advising businesses and nonprofit organizations on growth strategy, operational excellence, leadership development, and organizational transformation. He works closely with executive teams to solve complex challenges, unlock efficiency,and create clear paths toward scalable growth.
As part of Bâton Global’s Embedded Executive team, James helps organizations navigate growth, turnaround, and transition periods by providing hands-on leadership in operations, business development, organizational strategy, and execution.
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