J. Byrne Murphy

Byrne is an entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in international development and investment. Three times, he brought U.S. concepts to Europe, growing two start-up companies into $1 billion+ global enterprises.

After developing high-end mixed-use projects in Washington, DC in the 1980s and ‘90s, Byrne co-founded BAA-McArthurGlen, the company that imported the designer outlet concept to the U.K. and Europe. After opening the company’s Paris office in 1992, he led its expansion across Europe, resulting in more than $1 billion in annual sales.

He then developed private residence clubs, starting with restoring Palazzo Tornabuoni, a 15th century Medici palazzo in Florence, Italy. The Palazzo underwent a $250 million re-development and is now managed by The Four Seasons. In 2010, the project won Urban Land Institute’s prestigious Award of Excellence for EMEA.

Byrne also founded DigiPlex, the world leader in sustainable data centers, located in the Nordic countries, with Bill Conway, the co-founder of The Carlyle Group. Byrne also owns and manages Kitebrook Partners, a real estate development and investment company.

A Cum Laude graduate of Harvard College, Byrne received his MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

After living in Europe for thirteen years, Byrne now resides in the Washington, DC area with his wife Pamela. They have raised four daughters. Byrne also serves on the Dean’s Council for Washington National Cathedral.