John Pound

John Pound is a distinguished academic and business professional with extensive experience in corporate governance, finance, and entrepreneurship.12 He currently serves as an Advisor for iVenture and Tech Core Programs at the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management.45

Pound's career spans academia, policy, and private sector roles:

Academic Career

• Ph.D. in Finance from Yale University1
• Served on the Harvard University faculty for ten years, focusing on corporate governance and value creation1
• Currently associated with the University of Arizona:
  • Interim Executive Director at the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship (2023-2024)2
  • Adviser and Associate Mentor at the McGuire Center (2022-2023)2
  • Adviser and Research Professor at the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom (2021-2022)26

Policy and Research

• Worked as a Senior Economist at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (1985-1986)2
• Led research that influenced modern activist investing and corporate governance practices1
• Contributed to policy changes in shareholder communications and director elections2

Private Sector

• Founded Integrity Brands, an investment firm focusing on consumer-facing companies1
• Oversaw investments in numerous national brands, including World Market, Guess, and Vans1

Expertise and Interests

• Corporate governance and board effectiveness
• Activist investing strategies
• Entrepreneurship support and mentoring
• Value creation in public companies and nonprofits13

Pound's diverse background allows him to bridge academic research with practical business applications, particularly in supporting student entrepreneurs and advising on corporate partnerships.23