As the inaugural Executive Director of Harvard Grid, Paul Hayre leads the creation of new programs to accelerate the pace of startup formation in Harvard science and engineering. Appointed in 2022, Paul oversees a fast-growing initiative that includes educational outreach, innovation development, mentoring programs, alumni engagement, physical space, and de-risking seed grants for emerging ventures.
Paul is a transformational leader with a record of turning early- to growth-stage concepts into world-class businesses. He has founded technology and medical device start-ups with two exits; designed and founded high-growth divisions in multi-nationals; and bought and sold lower middle market industrial companies. He most recently focused on medical devices and novel healthcare delivery models, and previously founded or grew businesses in the solar, specialty chemicals, and corporate food solution sectors. Early in his career, Paul spent a decade in technology and strategic advisory firms Accenture, EY-Parthenon, and Eastwing Group. His expertise spans global strategy, M&A, long-term value creation, data analytics, and executive development in a wide range of sectors and stages.
Raised by two lifelong educators, Paul invests generously in people and communities, serving as advisor or director at numerous start-ups, private companies, non-profits, incubators, and student organizations. He is also deeply committed and engaged as an advisor to students, alumni, and leaders in higher education.