P. Murry Pitts '80
P. Murry Pitts '80 was appointed to the Board of Visitors August 14, 2020, by Governor Ralph Northam and was reappointed to a second four-year term on July 1, 2022, by Governor Glenn Youngkin. He is currently serving as Rector of the Board and is an ex-officio member of all standing committees in addition to serving on the Presidential Evaluation & Compensation Committee.
Mr. Pitts is a distinguished leader and accomplished entrepreneur, renowned for his strategic acumen and operational prowess across various industries. Born into a Navy family in Norfolk, Virginia, Murry's upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and commitment to excellence from an early age.
Murry embarked on his academic journey at Old Dominion University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1980. His education laid the foundation for a remarkable career characterized by innovation and entrepreneurial spirit from the tools ODU provided.
Murry's professional journey commenced in the shipping industry with United States Lines, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of containerization on global trade. Rising through the ranks, he eventually assumed the role of Division Manager for European Services, leveraging his leadership skills to drive operational efficiency and business growth.
In the late 1980s, Murry embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, acquiring several Paperboard Packaging companies. Through strategic vision and relentless determination, he transformed these acquisitions into leading providers for the burgeoning Food and Craft Beer industry in North America. In 2015, Murry orchestrated the successful sale of his company to Graphic Packaging, a prominent player in the paperboard packaging sector, cementing his reputation as a savvy dealmaker.
Post-acquisition, Murry transitioned into the role of Vice President of Sales and Operations for the East Coast at Graphic Packaging, where he continued to drive revenue growth and operational excellence.
Following his tenure at Graphic Packaging, Murry assumed the helm as CEO of Bobst, a prestigious Swiss-based company and the largest global provider of Packaging manufacturing equipment. His leadership at Bobst was characterized by a pursuit of innovation and operational excellence, solidifying the company's position as an industry leader.
Since 2018, Murry has lent his expertise to numerous private equity firms, serving in various capacities such as due diligence consultant, CEO, board member, executive coach, and equity partner. His strategic insights and operational leadership have been instrumental in guiding domestic and international acquisitions ranging from $50 million to $500 million. The diverse sectors including CPG, supply chain, manufacturing, packaging, medical devices, and real estate. Murry's recent roles include serving as CEO of Burlington Medical in Newport News and as a board member for Accord Carton in the Chicago metro area.
In addition to his corporate endeavors, Murry is deeply committed to mentorship and team development, actively fostering talent and leadership within organizations.
Murry is also the proud father of two children: Dr. Lexie Soult, a trauma surgeon at EVMS in Norfolk, Virginia, and CC Pitts, a regenerative therapy specialist with Kerecis in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Murry currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he continues to contribute his expertise to the business community working with UVA Darden young entrepreneurs and Angel Investing in start-up and maturing ventures. With a wealth of experience and a passion for education, Murry is poised to make a lasting impact on the university's community and shape the future of higher education.