Leadership milestone marks 20 years for Murphy Family Ventures

Third-generation Wen Murphy brings hands-on experience and deep family ties to the next chapter of the family business

WALLACE — As Murphy Family Ventures (MFV) celebrates two decades in business and marks its return to the Pork Powerhouses list, a new chapter in leadership begins with the promotion of Wen Murphy to executive vice president and senior director of support operations.

A third-generation member of the Murphy family, Wen now leads key support operations across North Carolina, bringing years of hands-on experience and a deep-rooted connection to the company’s legacy.
Wen’s journey began early, working in nearly every corner of the business since high school. He started as a prep chef and herd technician, later managing a breeding department, and eventually became a project manager in maintenance.
“Whatever part of that didn’t really matter to me,” Wen told Duplin Journal in an interview earlier this year. “I was gonna be part of it.”

Murphy Family Ventures has its origins in the pork empire established by Wen’s grandfather, Wendell Murphy, in Rose Hill. Although the original hog business was sold to Smithfield in 2000, the Murphy family founded Murphy Family Ventures in 2004, led by Dell Murphy. Two decades later, the company continues to grow while honoring its heritage. With Wen stepping into a senior leadership role, the business is poised to enter its next phase, balancing legacy with innovation.

“This milestone reflects Wen’s hard work, dedication, and leadership — but also represents something larger: the continued evolution of Murphy Family Ventures as both a company and a family,” read a social media announcement on the Murphy Family Ventures page. “From his earliest days working hands-on in nearly every area of our business, Wen has demonstrated passion for our work, care for our people, and an unwavering commitment to our values.”