Ben James is Director of University of Queensland Press (UQP), one of the nation's premier independent publishing houses. Under Ben's stewardship, UQP has achieved remarkable milestones that have solidified its reputation for championing high quality literature.

One of the standout achievements during Ben's tenure has been UQP's wins of the prestigious ABIA Australian Small Publisher of the Year award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025. This recognition underscores UQP's commitment to excellence and innovation in the publishing industry.

Ben's dedication to promoting Australian literature has also been reflected through the numerous accolades received by UQP authors. Their work has been honoured with wins in every major literary award across Australia, including the illustrious Miles Franklin Award (twice), Stella Prize (twice), Voss Literary Prize, and many others, such as the NSW and Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, the Queensland Literary Awards, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the Australian Scholarly Non-Fiction Book of the Year, and the Australian Book Industry Awards.

Ben’s commitment to diversity and gender equality in literature is reflected in initiatives he established at UQP. He launched the UQP Quentin Bryce Award to celebrate women’s lives and promote gender equality in literature. He also established the UQP Writing Mentorship Program, offering aspiring writers invaluable guidance and industry support, and the UQP Indigenous Placement Program, an industry-first initiative that provides a full-time, annual, paid position for a First Nations graduate that links to industry partnerships throughout the sector.

Furthermore, Ben's dedication to global sustainability and social responsibility is highlighted by UQP becoming Australia’s first climate-positive publisher and signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Publishers Compact. This pioneering move demonstrated UQP's commitment to sustainability, gender equality, diversity, reduced inequality and climate action.

Ben’s leadership also extends beyond UQP. He serves on the board of the Australian Publishers Association (APA), chairs the APA Independent Publishers’ Committee, and is a member of the Sustainability Committee and Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is also a founding member of the Open Book Advisory Board and has chaired executive committees on artificial intelligence, risk, acquisitions, workforce diversity and ESG.

Ben also launched the UQP Bookshop at The University of Queensland St Lucia campus, housing over 350 titles that reflect the breadth of UQP’s publishing legacy. In parallel, he produced and launched a fully integrated, award-winning online bookshop, significantly expanding accessibility and readership for Australian poets and new and emerging authors.

Ben has made an indelible mark on the Australian literary landscape. His legacy continues to shape the future of Australian literature.