Hanbury Names James Benson Chief Financial Officer
James Benson has been named Hanbury’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), expanding his leadership within the firm and strengthening the connection between financial strategy, operations and long-term planning.
James joined Hanbury in 2019 and was named an Operations Director and Raleigh Office Leader in 2023. Since then, his leadership has expanded to include firmwide operations while he continues to lead the Raleigh office. His appointment as CFO builds on that experience, bringing financial strategy into closer alignment with the operational and strategic decisions that shape the firm.
“James has a rare ability to connect financial thinking with the way we want to practice architecture,” said David Keith, CEO. “He simplifies complex problems and brings clarity to them. His understanding of how the financial decisions we make affect our projects and clients helps us more closely align the business of the firm with the work we do.”
As CFO, Benson will guide financial planning and forecasting across the firm, strengthening the connection between financial performance and the operational decisions that shape the practice. This role will provide greater visibility into the firm’s performance, supporting informed decision-making and long-term planning.
“Architecture is ultimately a people-driven business, and our financial performance is closely connected to how we plan projects and make decisions about where to invest,” Benson said. “The goal isn’t simply better reporting. It’s using that information to make better decisions earlier. As an employee-owned firm, stronger financial understanding gives all of us a greater ability to shape Hanbury’s future.”
Benson holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Architecture from North Carolina State University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Kentucky.
