J. Byrne Murphy
Byrne is an entrepreneur with more than thirty years of experience in international development and investment. Three times he brought US 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 UK 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.
Recognition
Finvest
Hyperscale Investment of the Year, 2020
Finvest
Global Financial Leader, 2020
Data Economy Magazine
Power 200: The World’s Most Influential Data Economy Leaders, 2019
InsightSuccess Magazine
30 Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs, 2018
Data Economy Magazine
The World’s Top 25 Finance and Investment Movers and Shakers in Data Centers and Cloud, 2018
InsightSuccess Magazine
10 Best Performing Data Center Solutions Providers, 2017
Data Economy Magazine
EMEA 50: The Top Influencers in Data Centres, Cloud and Data, 2017
BroadGroup Award
Data Center Industry Achievement Award, 2016
BroadGroup Award
Most Innovative Energy Solution Award, 2016
Urban Land Institute
“Award of Excellence” EMEA, for Palazzo Tornabuoni, 2010
B2B Marketing Awards
Marketing Team of the Year, 2020 shortlist
DRUM Digital Awards
In House Innovation, Finalist 2020
DRUM Digital Awards
Technical Innovation, Finalist 2020
DRUM B2B
Best Content Marketing Campaign, 2020 shortlist
Transform Awards Nordics
Best Creative Strategy
Transform Awards Nordics
Best Brand Development Project
Transform Awards Nordics
Best Brand Evolution
Global Carrier Awards
Best ESG Initiative, 2020 shortlist
Global Carrier Awards
Best Marketing Campaign, 2020 shortlist
B2B Marketing Awards
Best Use of Content Marketing, 2020 shortlist
