James C. Grunewald

James C. Grunewald is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral with proven experience in leading large-scale organizations. He has extensive expertise in international program management, operational risk management, financial management, and acquisition contract management.

Currently, Jim is President and Managing Director of Red Bird Global Services, a maritime and aviation advisory consultancy firm that services commercial clients and private industry operations throughout Southeast and Southwest Asia. His professional experience is building international business opportunities and government relationships with special emphasis in the defense and security sectors.

Accumulating more than 20 years of seasoned leadership experience in numerous U.S. Department of Defense requirements and acquisition programs, Jim has worked extensively in Asia with senior executive insight managing organizations with workforces ranging from 200 to 7,500 employees.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1975, graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1980 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1981. He completed his master's degree with distinction in National Security Affairs from Georgetown University in 1987 and in 2003 was selected for the Federal Executive Fellowship for public policy with the U.S. Department of State at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia.

A career Naval Flight Officer, Jim has held operational command at the Squadron, Wing and Task Force levels and has logged over 5,000 flight hours in the Western Pacific. He has operated in a myriad of international assignments, including leading multinational contingents, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for several Southeast Asian regional-based corporations.

Employing an established network of commercial associates and government contacts, Red Bird Global Services is successfully facilitating market strategies for several U.S Fortune 500 companies and numerous regional firms operating throughout the Pacific Rim.