James Bremner Dow

James Bremner (Brem) Dow was educated at George Watson's College and Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities, before joining The Standard Life Assurance Company in 1928 as a junior apprentice. Brem Dow was responsible for the beginnings of the Standard Life Pensions schemes department in 1931, working with A. Ernest Bromfield, R.H. Mackay, and K.W. Marshall,[1] and, working with Andrew Rutherford Davidson, provided a strong foundation for Standard Life's pensions business. Under Reid's management, Dow put a particular focus on expanding sales on home ground, rather than focusing extensively on overseas opportunities.[2] Dow was appointed joint actuary in 1942,[3] promoted to from secretary and actuary to deputy manager and secretary in 1961, and finally manager in 1964.[4]

Under Dow's management, Standard Life saw a focus on the regionalisation of the company management structure, and training to support the company acting as a single entity.[5] Much like his predecessors, Dow was deeply invested in the concept of mutuality, regularly describing its benefits to policy-holders.[5] During his time as manager, Dow travelled to overseas offices, including a visit to the Canadian office in 1969,[6] and Jamaica in 1970.[7]

In addition, Dow contributed to the company sporting legacy, presenting a challenge cup for an annual golf tournament between Standard Life and Scottish Widows during his tenure.[8] He became a fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries in 1931, and was later President (1966-1968). Dow retired as manager in 1970, and was succeeded by David William Alexander Donald.