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 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, including maintenance, heavy equipment, and nutrient management, bringing years of hands-on experience and a deep 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.”

The roots of Murphy Family Ventures trace back to the pork empire built by Wen’s grandfather, Wendell Murphy, in Rose Hill. While the original hog business was sold to Smithfield in 2000, the Murphy family launched a new venture in 2004 under the leadership of Dell Murphy. Two decades later, the company continues to grow while honoring its roots. With Wen stepping into a senior leadership role, the business enters its next phase with both legacy and innovation in mind.

“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.”

His promotion signals not only personal achievement but also a generational step forward for the Murphy legacy.