Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
James Bickerton serves as district vice president at Mackenzie Investments, where he leads the Ottawa region in supporting financial advisors, predominantly those at the IIROC Bank Dealers.
Over the past five years, Bickerton has established himself as a trusted partner to advisors, cultivating mutually beneficial relationships that drive success and long-term growth.
Raised in Ottawa, he developed a deep appreciation for the city’s vibrant community and unique needs. After graduating from Queen’s University, he moved to Toronto to launch his career in financial services and wealth management.
In December 2015, Bickerton joined Mackenzie Investments, where he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to understanding advisor goals, addressing their unique challenges by providing tailor solutions.
Known for his consistent client satisfaction and ability to foster strong team collaboration, Bickerton excels at navigating complex financial landscapes, earning the trust of advisors and their clients alike. His leadership style emphasizes strategic partnership, innovation, and performance, making him a vital resource for the advisors he serves.
Rooted in his hometown of Ottawa, Bickerton brings a personal touch to his professional relationships by being involved in the local community.
350 Bay Street, Suite 1200, Toronto, ON, M5H 2S6
(416) 567 0882
jbickert@mackenzieinvestments.com
linkedin.com/in/james-bickerton-cim®-b8057383
mackenzieinvestments.com
James Bickerton
District Vice President
Mackenzie Investments
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2009–2018
2018–2021
2019-Present
2020-present
2022
Business Development Manager
2018: Everest Award Winner: Inside Wholesaler of the Year
2009-2018
2019–present: District Vice President at Mackenzie Investments
2020–2024: 1st Quartile Ranking in Advisor Perception Survey
2020: Everest Award Winner (Top ETF Sales and Top New Supporters)
2021: Everest Award Winner, Rookie of the Year
2022: Everest Award Winner, Top Net Sales and Wholesaler of the Year
2024: Obtained Chartered Investment Manager designation
2019–
present
2019: Everest Award Winner: New Products
2020: Everest Award Winner: Top Momentum
2021: Everest Award Winner: Rookie of the Year
2022: Everest Award Winner: Top Net Sales & Wholesaler of the Year
2023: Everest Award Winner: Top New Supporters
2024: Everest Award Winner: Top ETF Sales Award
2019-Present
2020-present: District Vice President, Mackenzie Investments
2022: Everest Award Winner at Mackenzie Investments
2020-present
District Vice President, Sales at Mackenzie Investments
2022
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
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
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