Born James Hamilton Wrethman, Glasgow 1944. Left school at 14 to work in a Glasgow shipyard,later joining the Merchant Navy as an engineer. Began a career in the Gaming & Leisure industry in 1968 by training as a casino croupier and graduated to management by the early 1970's. Held senior positions with three of the leading U.K. gaming companies of that period.
A number of years were then spent setting up casinos on cruise ships calling at ports in Australia and the Far East.
Later opened and operated casinos and amusement complexes for companies in Spain, Nigeria and Yugoslavia - the latter terminated by the outbreak of the war. Next came Poland and Slovakia during the early years of their transition to democracy, this followed by a spell in Peru. Moved to Russia at the start of the 90's just in time to be in close attendance during Yelsin's assault on the White House (The Duma).
Remains consultant to leisure companies in several continents and holds the position of Non-Executive Chairman of Solna Leisure AB, a Gaming Management and Consulting Company.
Married with one son and when not travelling on business lives alternatively in West London and Mallorca, Spain.
Previously published material consists of articles written for business and trade magazines but he intends that - An Occupational Hazard - the novel now available on Amazon will not be the last.
