The Colin Powell School is excited to welcome Torry Berntsen, Co-CEO of JDM Partners, as our newest Leader-In-Residence! With more than four decades of high-level leadership across global finance and real estate development, Mr. Berntsen is bringing an unparalleled depth of practical, C-suite experience directly to our students.
From Global Banking to Groundbreaking Development
Torry Berntsen is a titan of industry, currently serving as Co-CEO of JDM Partners, a premier real estate investment and development firm known for large-scale, community-centered and industrial projects across the Southwest and nationally.
His career path is a masterclass in strategic growth and high-stakes management:
Before joining JDM, Berntsen was Executive Vice Chairman at Standard Chartered Bank, where he also served as CEO for Europe and the Americas, managing complex operations across continents. His expertise spans global strategy, risk management, and regulatory engagement with corporations and governments worldwide.
His impact in international finance was officially recognized in 2023 when The European magazine named him Europe & Americas Banking CEO of the Year.
Berntsen’s career launched at JP Morgan, followed by senior roles at BNY and Independent Financial, building deep expertise in commercial and investment banking, strategy, and capital markets.
Giving Back: A Commitment to Mentorship and the Next Generation
A deep commitment to paying forward the opportunities he received drew Berntsen to the Colin Powell School.
“I really want to give back to students, many of whom have had the same background as I did, being a first-generation American from immigrant parents.” Berntsen shares how passionate he is to be able to engage with students who reflect his own life story “My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Norway. My dad worked on a tugboat and my mom never finished school. And like most first-generation students at CCNY, I was also working while attending college”.
Berntsen is eager to share the lessons learned both inside the boardroom and while navigating global markets. He plans to leverage his extensive network to connect students with leaders, while also offering practical advice on everything from hiring criteria to landing that first crucial job.
Bringing Practical Skills to the Classroom
This commitment to mentorship will be fully realized in the Spring semester when Berntsen will teach a course titled “Developing Management Skills.” This is a rare opportunity for students to learn proven management techniques directly from someone who has led small teams to thousands across multiple continents
His connection to CCNY is long-standing, having previously fostered relationships through Standard Chartered’s work with the Zahn Center and the Women in Tech program. Furthermore, his admiration for the School’s namesake, General Colin Powell, served as a significant personal draw.
Berntsen is excited to be part of the School’s mission to foster service, engagement, and leadership. We look forward to the energy, strategic insights, and hands-on guidance he will bring to our students and faculty this year.
Interested in learning more about Torry Berntsen’s upcoming course or mentorship opportunities? Stay tuned to the Powell School announcements!
