Rachel Thompson is Australia’s former Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Rachel brings more than 20 years’ experience spanning international finance, economic policy and public sector leadership. She has worked at the centre of global economic decision-making, providing strategic oversight of financing initiatives, policy development and governance across a diverse regional constituency.
Renowned as a trusted advisor and advocate for Australia and its regional partners, Rachel has built deep and enduring relationships with government, multilateral institutions and business leaders across Asia and the Pacific. Her career reflects a strong track record of shaping complex policy, leading multidisciplinary teams and driving reform in dynamic and sensitive environments. Rachel offers a global perspective and a commitment to strengthening Australia’s engagement with the region.
Prior to joining ADB, Rachel was the Senior Treasury Representative at the Australian Embassy in Beijing (2018-2022) and concurrently served as an Alternate Director for Australia’s constituency on the Board of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (2020-2022).
Rachel previously served as the Chief of Staff to the Secretary to the Treasury (2016-2018) and held a range of senior roles within the Australian Treasury. She holds a Juris Doctor from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) and Bachelor of Finance from the University of Adelaide.
