Jim Polan

Biography

Jim Polan is the Vice-President of the Small and Medium Enterprise Finance Department at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). The SME Finance Department administers OPIC SME direct lending programs sponsored by US companies and financial institutions.

From 2005 Jim introduced, designed and implemented exceptionally innovative, developmental and award winning products including those involving MSME, impact, renewable/clean tech energy and low income housing finance resulting in a multi-billion dollar increase in assets and significant economic and social developmental benefits.
Prior to assuming the role of Vice-President Jim has led project teams to project finance transaction closings throughout the world, covering sectors including manufacturing, Private Power, Transportation, Communications, Mining, Tourism, Agro-Industry and franchising representing tens of Billion Dollars in foreign direct investment in over 150 developing countries.

Prior to joining OPIC in 1995 Mr. Polan spent the previous 18 years working for development finance banking institutions in Botswana and has been a financial and economic consultant to financial institutions throughout Southern Africa and the Far East. While in Africa, Mr. Polan sat on over 45 Company Boards of Directors and chaired four in addition. He managed and closed over 100 project finance deals. Mr. Polan conceived of, arranged financing for and developed the first Private Hospital in Botswana, was its Board Chairman, and went on to be its Chief Executive Officer. He was an active member of several SADC economic fora and delivered papers on several subjects concerning the private sector and development in Southern Africa.

Polan received a B.A. in business economics from Connecticut College and an MBA in finance from the University of London. He also attended the London School of Economics and Political Science.