Jim Adams served as Vice President of the East Asia and Pacific Region, at the World Bank. In this capacity, he had overall responsibility for World Bank operations in one of the world’s most dynamic regions, covering more than a dozen states ranging from the world’s most populous country --China-- to the smallest and most remote Pacific Islands states.
Previously, Jim was Vice President and Head of Network, Operations Policy and Country Services, at the World Bank. In this capacity, he was responsible for operational policy development, procurement and financial management activities, relations with United Nations and nongovernmental organizations, and support to Regional staff working in all these areas.
Since joining the Bank in 1974, he has held a variety of operational positions in East Asia, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, including as Country Director for Tanzania and Uganda, as Director for Operations Policy, and as a Division Chief of several departments.
Before joining the Bank, Jim worked as a loan officer for Merchants Bank, in Syracuse, NY, and with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Jim studied at Colgate University, and holds an MPA from Princeton University.