Global Head of Corporate Sales | Managing Director in the Global Commodities group
J.P. Morgan
What are you currently doing for your career?
I have been working at J.P. Morgan for 15 years, and, currently I am the head of corporate commodities sales. As a markets business dedicated to supporting our corporate clients, we straddle the investment bank’s trading and banking groups. My teams are responsible for counterparty coverage, and the origination, structuring, and execution of commodity and commodity derivative contracts. We trade energy, metals, and agricultural products with commodity producers, processors, and consumers.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Commodities is a fascinating asset class with dozens of different products, most of which are vital to our economy and have unique fundamentals and market structure. Commodities can be quite volatile, which, at times, can be challenging and rewarding, but always interesting. The best part is the people - I am privileged to work with smart, motivated, collaborative people focused on innovating to meet the needs of an ever changing market.
What interested you in partnering with the J.P Morgan Center for Commodities?
Personally I believe in the mission to educate people about the role of commodities in our economy, and to give students and professionals the foundational skills that help launch or accelerate careers in the commodities industry. Also, I think it’s important to build bridges between academia and industry; there are many natural areas of collaboration, like applied research, workforce training, and public policy.
So far in your career, what do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
It’s tough to pick a singular achievement. I have worked through many notable events, business successes and market disruptions over the years. Of course, there is a natural tendency to fondly remember (and perhaps exaggerate a bit about) how difficult things were and how well one performed. However, the past two years were particularly challenging for many people, on many levels, both personally and professionally, and I am genuinely proud of (and humbled by) how well people on my team have worked together.
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in a career in commodities?
First, take learning seriously. The coursework in college and business school is really important and far more useful than you may now realize. Push yourself to be intellectually curious and analytical; become a lifelong student, challenge assumptions, ask questions, and develop a critical mindset. Finally, try to treat others the way they want to be treated, always act with integrity, and have some fun along the way!
If you have a story that you would love to share about your experience with the J.P. Morgan Center for Commodities, please contact Erica Hyman at erica.hyman@ucdenver.edu.