Thompson began his career with Marriott Corporation after earning a bachelor's degree from Hampden-Sydney College and an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. He formed Thompson Hospitality in 1992 and entered the retail restaurant business with the purchase of more than 30 Big Boy Restaurants. Thompson Hospitality subsequently purchased the Austin Grill restaurant chain, followed by the acquisition and creation of several other retail dining brands, including the American Tap Room, brb (be right burger), Willie T's Lobster Shack, Hen Quarter, Hen Penny, Neapolitan Express, Matchbox and, most recently, The Delegate.

In 1993, Thompson Hospitality entered the food contract services business and, in 1997, formed a partnership with Compass Group to expand its operations and expand into the facilities management sector. Thompson Hospitality has been recognized numerous times as a leading minority-owned company.

“I am delighted to join the board of directors of Duke Realty and work with its other directors and management team members to continue the success this company has had for more than 46 years,” says Thompson. “Duke Realty is a leading provider of logistics facilities in the United States and a well-managed, forward-looking company. I am excited to be involved in its continued growth.”

Thompson serves on the board of directors of Compass Group North America and Federal Realty Investment Trust. He is a former trustee of the Darden School Foundation and, in 2018, established the Warren M. Thompson Scholarship to help attract students who value diversity to the school.