McCarry to lead UNT Murphy Center

Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the entrepreneurship and accelerator hub of University of North Texas (UNT), has hired UNT alumnus Jon McCarry (pictured) as senior director.

McCarry will aim to position Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation as a sustainable accelerator program for all of north Texas. He will be expected to ensure the centre acts as a go-to resource for businesses in the university and regional ecosystem.

Murphy Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was founded in 2009 as part of UNT’s College of Business, offering a focal point for the university’s pursuit of entrepreneurial talent and a national and international innovation profile.

McCarry arrives after a period advising institutional investors and fund managers on primary and secondary private equity opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

He previously worked as a senior group internal auditor for food and drink conglomerate Nestlé, a role which provided him with auditing experience in ten countries spanning three continents.

UNT said McCarry once managed a VC portfolio for an unidentified family office in Hong Kong and had served on boards and committees for institutions including Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute and non-profit trade body American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.

McCarry received a UNT bachelor’s degree in engineering physics, as well as an MBA from Vlerick Management School and a joint private equity accreditation from University of Oxford and Peking University.

Marilyn Wiley, director of the UNT College of Business, said: “The North Texas region offers so much for industry, and as a tier one research university, UNT is best positioned to be a resource where great ideas can find a partner ready to co-navigate a path toward success.

“Jon McCarry’s expertise is exactly what our region needs, and I am thrilled to welcome him to UNT. His exceptional experience will help UNT continue to contribute to the economic vitality of the region, while ensuring UNT’s students have additional hands-on learning opportunities.”

McCarry added: “I would like to see the Murphy Center become a leading resource for the North Texas region – partnering with a range of ventures, from innovative ideas to early-stage growth companies, while also building bridges with the investor community at large.

“If we are doing our job correctly, new opportunities are blooming in concert with a vibrant environment. We want our innovative companies to keep their roots in the North Texas region and inspire others.”