James W. Bradford

James W. Bradford (1948 - 2023) was an American businessman and academic. He was the CEO of AFG Industries from 1992 to 1999 and the United Glass Corporation from 1999 to 2001. He was the dean of Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management from 2004 to 2013. He has served on several corporate boards, including Clarcor, Granite Construction, Genesco and Cracker Barrel, where his credentials were questioned by the largest shareholder.

Early life James W. Bradford was born in 1948. He graduated from the University of Florida, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in History and Political Science in 1969. He also earned a juris doctor from the Vanderbilt Law School in 1974.

Bradford served on the board of directors of Clarcor from January 20, 2006 to February 28, 2017. He has served on the board of Genesco since October 26, 2005, and as its lead director since June 2012.

In October 2012, Sardar Biglari, the largest shareholder of Cracker Barrel, questioned his credentials to serve on the board.

Bradford served on the board of directors of the Nashville Capital Network. He was on the founding board for Sattler College.