James Holder

James Michael Holder is a British businessman and convicted rapist, who co-founded the fashion brand Superdry & Co.

Early life Born in Studley, Warwickshire, he was brought up in Stratford-upon-Avon and went to college in Leamington Spa where he studied graphic design. They later travelled to Japan together before founding Superdry.

Career In 2003, Holder co-founded Superdry with Julian Dunkerton as a market stall in Cheltenham. Holder was responsible for clothing design and brand development at the company.

Holder said that he and Dunkerton spotted a "huge gap" in the UK men's market. He has said that the initial inspiration for the brand was Dunkerton's love of Americana and his love of Japan and typography. Holder also led SuperDesignLab, which was responsible for launching spin-off brand Superdry Sport.

In 2016, Holder resigned from the company, but as of 2018 continued to hold a stake.

Personal life As of 2017, he lived with his wife Charlotte, a lawyer, and their son and daughter. On 1 May 2026, a jury of seven men and five women found him guilty of rape, while acquitting him of a separate count of assault by penetration. Holder was refused bail prior to sentencing on the grounds that he might be a flight risk. On 7 May 2026, Holder was sentenced to eight years in prison.