Jessica Thompson

The nexus between business and society first attracted Jess to IFM. “For IFM the shareholders and clients are one and the same. We’re not only investing to help grow the retirement savings of working people, but Infrastructure itself is a unique asset class that fills a societal need.”

Jess adds that IFM’s strength as a long-term investor is reflected in integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) analysis in its investment decisions. “The investor landscape has changed so much in recent years, with ESG at the top of the agenda. It’s exciting to be able to share this journey with our investors.”

Jess joined the IFM New York team in 2014 as an Associate Director, motivated by the prospect of building out the global Infrastructure Debt practice. “While we collaborate closely with our peers in London and Melbourne, I work with clients from all over the world which is a great and rewarding challenge,” says Jess.

“I’m attracted to mission-driven institutions. I feel if you have a mission you believe in, success will follow.”

Within the wider global Infrastructure Debt team, Jess has been integral to the growing success of the Infrastructure Debt platform in North America. Since joining IFM, Jess has been promoted twice – first to Investment Director in 2016, and in 2020 to Executive Director and Deputy Head of North America Infrastructure Debt.

 

In 2019, Jess decided to pursue an MBA while working full time to be a better fiduciary for our investors. Jess chose Yale University’s School of Management for its mission, which is to educate leaders for business and society.

The decision to undertake an MBA was one she had deliberated over for some time and Jess credits IFM’s internal mentor program with helping her to take the first step. “It was coming up in every conversation I had with my mentor, and he encouraged me to take the plunge.”

At work, Jess also contributes to several of IFM’s key internal initiatives and programs. She’s a member of IFM’s Global Management Team and represents the debt investment teams on IFM’s Climate Change program, Project Greenwich, Enterprise Risk Management, the IFM Mentor Program, and our Inclusion & Diversity forum.

Jess says, “I’m vocal about progressing diversity beyond gender. The work we’re doing in the Inclusion & Diversity forum is so important, especially against the current social and political backdrop.”