Biography

James W. Adams

Mr. Adams is Vice President of the East Asia and Pacific Region, at the World Bank.  In this capacity, he has 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.  In fiscal year 2006, the World Bank provided US$3.4 billion in loans and grants to governments in the region for development projects designed to increase economic growth, reduce poverty, enhance social stability, increase intraregional integration, and improve governance.

 Previously, Mr. Adams 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, Mr. Adams worked as a loan officer for Merchants Bank, in Syracuse, NY, and with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Mr. Adams studied at Colgate University, and holds an MPA from Princeton University.