Amb. James P. Cain
New York/ Raleigh/Washington
Ambassador Jim Cain’s career has spanned the fields of law, business, sports, and international diplomacy. From July of 2005 until January 2009, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark. Prior to his diplomatic service, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League, as a partner in the international law firm of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton (formerly Kilpatrick Stockton), and as founder and Chairman of numerous civic and business enterprises. Upon leaving the official diplomatic world, Ambassador Cain began working with North American and European Consumer Brand companies to expand their operations into the surging markets of Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Ambassador Cain was nominated by President Bush as U.S. Ambassador to Denmark on June 30, 2005. As Ambassador, Cain oversaw the 13 agencies of the American government that comprised the US Embassy in Copenhagen, focusing his energies on areas of national security, counter-terrorism, energy security, commerce and investment, and promotion of shared values. However, his passion was public diplomacy — showcasing the power of sports to bridge cultural differences and resolve conflict. Drawing on his sports background and connections with America’s major professional sports leagues, Ambassador Cain launched an initiative designed to re-invigorate America’s use of sports as a diplomatic tool. Showcased by the State Department and adopted by numerous America Embassies, Ambassador Cain’s “American Spirit” initiative included partnerships with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, WTA, USGA, MLS and other major American sports leagues.
Ambassador Cain’s unique approach to public diplomacy was highlighted by a 37-day, 2,500km “Rediscovery Tour” of Denmark by bicycle and the publication in December 2008 of his best-selling book The American: On Diplomacy, Democracy and Denmark. On January 16, 2009, for his contributions to American and Danish relations, Ambassador Cain was awarded the Knighthood of the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, the highest Honor awarded a foreigner.
Ambassador Cain did his undergraduate work and earned a law degree from Wake Forest University. He was with the international law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton, now Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton, for 20 years, co-founding the firm’s Raleigh office in 1985. Ambassador Cain took a leave of absence from Kilpatrick Stockton from January 2000 to early 2003 to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of the NHL Carolina Hurricanes and their parent company, Gale Force Holdings. After leading a three-year turnaround of the Hurricanes during which the team became embraced by the fans and community, doubled its season-ticket base, doubled its asset value, and made a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Finals, Cain stepped down following the 2002 season.
Before leaving North Carolina for his diplomatic post in 2005, Ambassador Cain served in leadership positions for numerous civic and non-profit institutions including the Chamber of Commerce, Character Education Foundation, American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, and Boy Scouts of America. He has chaired the Boards of the Food Bank of North Carolina, Communities in Schools of Wake County, and the Eastern North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Ambassador Cain was named “Business Leader of the Year” by Business Leader Magazine, received the John Ross Leadership Award from the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, and received the National Outstanding Community Service Award from the American Diabetes Association in 2003.
Since stepping down from his diplomatic position in 2009, Ambassador Cain has devoted his energies to assisting North American and European consumer brands expand their operations into international markets. Working through Cain Global Partners, LLC, Ambassador Cain works extensively in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East with brands that range from fashion and F&B icons such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Godiva Chocolates to general retail brands such as Bang & Olfusen and Lego.
Ambassador Cain has long been active in politics, starting in the late 1970’s when he began working for Ronald Reagan. Ambassador Cain served as Republican National Committeeman for North Carolina from 2003 to 2005 and served as Regional Chairman for the Bush-Cheney 2004 Campaign. He served as President Bush’s Emissary to the Philippines in 2004. Ambassador Cain is a frequent speaker on topics of international policy, global trade, and the power of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth to bind nations closer together.
Ambassador Cain and his wife Helen divide their time between North Carolina and New York City and have two daughters, Cameron and Laura.