Kathryn Thompson

The Babson Center for Global Commerce will welcome Kathryn Ingram Thompson, C '96, founding partner and Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Research Group (TRG), as the Humphreys Entrepreneur in Residence on Tuesday, November 18, at 4:30 PM in Naylor Auditorium of Gailor Hall. This event is presented in collaboration with the Department of Economics and Finance and Department of Philosophy. 

Thompson is the founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of TRG, an equity research and advisory firm focused on the industrial and construction value chain. In addition to managing and setting the strategic direction of the firm, she also serves as Director of Research. With over 20 years of experience analyzing, modeling, and advising mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, private equity firms, and family offices, Thompson has become a respected leader in investment and portfolio management. She works closely with both public and private companies, serving as a trusted advisor for strategic planning and growth initiatives.

Thompson’s entrepreneurial spirit first took shape at Mountain Outfitters in the Sewanee Village, where she worked as the store’s first employee and helped manage operations during its first year. She credits that experience with teaching her both the creative and practical aspects of starting a business, as well as the flexibility, persistence, and passion required to succeed. In 2009, at the height of the Great Recession, Thompson co-founded TRG. Instead of shrinking during uncertain and crippling economic conditions, she saw possibility. Thompson reflects, “my business partner and I saw an opportunity to capitalize on a fundamental change in our industry, and despite the unconventional move of leaving a comfortable job and starting an untested business model, we did nonetheless.”

A philosophy major at Sewanee, Thompson was also a Benedict Scholar, a member of Phi Kappa Epsilon, and founder of The Sewanee Conference on Women, a speaker series that brought accomplished women to the Mountain. She also played field hockey and served as an assistant proctor. Thompson credits her Sewanee experience, particularly her philosophy studies, with developing the critical thinking and communication skills that have guided her throughout her career. As an alumnus, she has supported the Babson Center through her advisory board service. 

Beyond her professional success, Thompson remains deeply engaged in community service through Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, where she has served for more than fifteen years as a board member and trustee supporting programs that “change lives through education, training, and employment” as noted through Goodwill’s mission.

Please join Kathryn Ingram Thompson for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship, integrity, and how a liberal arts foundation can inspire innovation and leadership in the business world.