Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
James Drinkwater is the president of Amwins and executive chair of Amwins Global Risks. He capitalizes on his 40 years of experience in E&S casualty, as well as wholesale and specialty brokering, to establish goals and priorities for Amwins’ property and casualty producers throughout the firm. Prior to joining Amwins in 2005, Drinkwater held executive positions with both Stewart Smith Group and Willis Group. He began his career in the London marketplace. His philanthropic efforts have included significant fundraising achievements for such organizations as the City of Hope and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
Since joining Amwins nearly 20 years ago, Drinkwater has been instrumental in helping the organization develop and maintain its industry-renowned culture that is focused on a 150-year vision rather than what is expedient for the short term. He champions and values talent, collaboration, and inclusivity within the firm and throughout the insurance industry.
Drinkwater was among the first to recommend WSIA develop its Diversity Foundation and is an active supporter of the Foundation’s efforts. He is a WSIA Life Member and past member of the Board of Directors of both NAPSLO and WSIA (2010–2018). His efforts with those organizations led to recognition in 2021 with WSIA’s highest honor, the Vincent Donahue/Charles McAlear Industry Award.
4725 Piedmont Row Dr, Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28210
704 749 2700
James.Drinkwater@amwins.com
linkedin.com/in/james-drinkwater-115a29106
amwins.com
James Drinkwater
President, Amwins Group
Executive Chair, Amwins Global Risks
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Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
1988–2004
2008–2021
Present
2009–present
2023
Began career in the London marketplace
Executive with Stewart Smith Group and Willis (NY)
1988-
2004
President of Amwins Brokerage division
2008-
2021
President of Amwins Group since 2021
Present
President at Berkley Environmental
2009–
present
Secured $900 million in investments to fuel PCF Insurance’s ongoing expansion
2023
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”
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