James R. Clay

Executive Vice President, Commercial Insurance

I am James R. Clay, Executive Vice President of Commercial Insurance at Axis Insurance, where I lead our efforts in delivering tailored insurance and risk management solutions to businesses across diverse industries. With over three decades in insurance, real estate and financial services, I work closely with clients to navigate complex risks, ensuring they have the coverage and strategies to grow their enterprises with confidence.

Before joining Axis Insurance, I served as the President and CEO of J.T. Insurance Services (Canada), Inc., where we built a strong foundation in insurance and risk management solutions across industries like real estate and construction, mining, technology and manufacturing. My career began in international banking before transitioning to insurance in 1991, starting as a surety trainee and accountant for the brokerage.

Over the years our team have developed a deep understanding of the complexities of risk and how it can be managed to fuel our consistent growth in all of our practice areas.

Achieving designations such as a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada (F.I.I.C.), Fellowship in Risk Management (FRM), and an Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D.), I’ve also served as an expert witness in Canadian court cases and lectured on emerging insurance exposures. In 2024, I was honoured as a finalist for IBC Insurance Broker of the Year.

At Axis Insurance, I thrive on helping businesses turn uncertainty into opportunity. Whether advising on complex policy structures, drafting custom manuscript wordings, or guiding clients through emerging risks, my focus is on enabling bold decisions backed by strategic protection. I believe that risk, when managed effectively, is a powerful catalyst for growth.

Beyond insurance, we are deeply committed to community engagement through the James and Sheri Clay Foundation, where I work to drive meaningful social change and community investments.