Portfolio Manager Profile
David J. Thompson, CFA
Dave is President and Co- Chief Investment Officer at Dwight.
Since joining Dwight Asset Management in 2000, it has been Dave Thompson’s priority to ensure the investment team meets the demands of a growing business. At the same time, he has worked hard to ensure that Dwight remains a great place to work.
Inspiring Collaboration and Performance
The entire investment team at Dwight has a role in determining
overall investment policy, and Dave feels part of his job
is to create an atmosphere where all investment professionals
feel free to express their views. “I believe it is very
important to create a positive work environment where people
can express their views candidly with the common goal of bringing
the best investment ideas to our clients’ portfolios.”
Dave understands the reality that not all decisions are perfect,
but he firmly believes that people are more willing to engage
in a healthy debate about the markets when the conversation
involves an exchange of views rather than a battle over who
is right or wrong. He views one of his key roles as a mentor
to members of the investment team and that it is important
to promote from within whenever possible. “Giving investment
professionals clear direction and a vision for their role
in the future of the company is vital. I learned this early
in my career, and we have found that our investment professionals
appreciate both the responsibility and the authority imparted
to them.”
Likewise, Dave considers it essential to establish a collaborative environment with prospects and clients. He says that a large part of his job is to make sure that investment decisions are communicated properly. “If prospects and clients can’t understand our thought process, then it is not useful. If we can’t adapt to their needs, then we’re not adding as much value as possible.” The biggest challenge here, Dave notes, is that for some, bonds aren’t viewed as an exciting topic, so it can be difficult to convey important information. “Basically, we solve very technical math problems every day and then have to explain our conclusions.”
Managing the Investment Process
On a day to day basis, overseeing the investment process requires
knowing how and when to ask the right questions. Very much
like a field marshal in the army, a CIO is sometimes required
to help team members make difficult decisions that can have
far reaching consequences. “The markets change each
day and since we all work so closely together, we can feel
each others’ stress levels. It has gotten to the point
where David Kilborn, Co-CIO, and I can sense when it is necessary
to ‘call a meeting of the minds’ so that we can
help arrive at the best possible decisions. Communication
is so important, and we deliberately encourage the open exchange
of best ideas.”
The Future
Even with Dwight’s success in growing the investment
team and assets under management, Dave Thompson and David
Kilborn will not rest on their laurels. “We compete
like dogs everyday in the markets to add value to our clients'
portfolios and everyday with our competition to prove our
excellence. The challenges never end.” Fortunately,
Dave is known for his extremely calm demeanor and the reassuring
tone in his voice. He seems to take this kind of stress completely
in stride, and at times, he is able to calm the waters with
just a few words.
Dave Thompson with his daughter, Grace.
Varied Interests
Dave has been known to do just about anything
that involves a challenge. “I try to keep up with the
younger folks on the desk through skiing, running or other feats
of physical foolishness. Let’s just say I don’t
often win.” Dave is also a father of three young children,
Grace, 7, Matthew, 4, and Kate 2. He and his wife, Gina, spend
their free time on family activities. Not surprisingly, the
interests are varied. “We play ball, hike, ski, go to
playgrounds, bookstores, and museums. Just about anything
to keep us moving.”