Thomas Kerr

Tom Kerr is the Principal Climate Policy Officer in the International Finance Corporation's Sustainable Finance Team, where he works to increase financial institution investments in climate adaptation and resilience. His work involves collaborating with countries, banks, and other partners to create enabling environments for private investment, helping clients identify portfolio opportunities, and developing methodologies to track and report on impact.

Tom has served at the World Bank Group since 2013 in various capacities. As Lead Climate Specialist in the South Asia Region, he shaped regional climate policies and mobilized investments across multiple countries. He has contributed significantly to the Bank's global thought leadership on climate change, co-authoring flagship publications including Rising to the Challenge and Reality Check, which analyze climate policymaking to identify best practices, case studies, and practical guidance for countries worldwide.

Before joining the World Bank Group, Tom served as Director of Climate Change at the World Economic Forum (2011-2013), where he facilitated high-level dialogues between government, business, and civil society leaders on climate change and finance at the Annual Meeting in Davos and other global convenings.

From 2006 to 2011, Tom worked at the International Energy Agency, leading development of a suite of clean energy technology roadmaps and coordinating engagement with the Clean Energy Ministerial and G20 energy ministers. He began his career at the US Environmental Protection Agency, where he designed voluntary programs—including Energy STAR and the Landfill Methane Outreach Program—that fostered early business action on climate change.

Tom holds an LL.M. in International Environmental Law from Georgetown University, a J.D. from DePaul University, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan. He spends his leisure time hiking, traveling, and playing board games with his wife Carol and sons Theo and Sandy.  Tom is an avid open water swimmer and dedicated bicycle commuter.