Charlotte, N.C.-based wholesale insurance broker AmWINS GroupInc. said James Drinkwater has been named president of AmWINSbrokerage division effective immediately.

Mr. Drinkwater will be responsible for the day-to-day managementof the division, which is focused on property-casualty insurancebrokerage operations, the company said.

He succeeds Mark Smith, who served as president of the divisionsince 2005. Mr. Smith will continue to work with the company in aconsulting capacity.

“James is ideally suited for this position,” said StevenDeCarlo, AmWINS Group's chief executive officer. “He has beendeeply involved in shaping the division for the past three years,and he brings a wealth of knowledge, charisma and experience tothis significant post in our company. James has been in theindustry for more than 20 years and has served in a number of rolesin both the U.S. and London marketplace.”

Mr. Drinkwater was the division's chief operating officer, wherehe worked closely with the company's retail agency clients andinsurance markets. He led the implementation and execution of thedivision's sales and marketing strategy.