Dr. James "Jim" A. Tompkins

Founder and chairman of Tompkins Ventures - Dr. James A. Tompkins is the founder and chairman of Tompkins Ventures and an international authority on supply chain strategy, focusing on implementing demand-driven end-to-end supply chains. Previously, he built Tompkins International from a backyard startup to an international supply chain firm. To share his extensive knowledge and provide up-to-date information, he blogs regularly on supply chain and business trends at tompkinsventures.com/blogs/.

Jim is also a thought leader, sharing insights on business strategy through videos, webinars, international speaking engagements and books. His latest book is Insightful Leadership: Surfing the Waves to Organizational Excellence. Other titles include Bold Leadership, Logistics and Manufacturing Outsourcing, The Supply Chain Handbook, No Boundaries and Facilities Planning. Dr. Tompkins has been quoted in hundreds of business and industry magazines, such as The Journal of Commerce, Supply & Demand Chain Executive and FORTUNE. Jim has served as President of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers, the Materials Management Society, and the College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education. Purdue has named him an Outstanding Industrial Engineer and a Distinguished Engineering Alum. He has earned more than 50 awards for service to his profession.

Dr. Tompkins received his BSIE in 1969, his MSIE in 1970 and his PhD in 1972, all from Purdue University.