Dallas entrepreneur and textile executive Arun Agarwal has been named chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation board of directors by Governor Greg Abbott, the governor’s office announced today.
Agarwal is the CEO of Dallas-based Nextt, one of America’s largest home textile companies. With interests in textiles, cotton trading, real estate, and sports management, Agarwal brings a broad business background to the helm of the Corporation. The appointment puts him on the private side of the public-private partnership tasked with marketing Texas as the premier state for business, both domestically and globally.
In addition to his role at Nextt, Agarwal is chairman of the National Cricket League USA and co-chair of the Indian American CEO Council. He is also president of the Dallas Parks and Recreation Board, highlighting his commitment to local community development.
Agarwal’s extensive involvement in business and community organizations includes board positions with the U.S. India Friendship Council, University of Texas at Dallas Executive Board, Texas Tech Innovation HUB at Research Park, and the MD Anderson Board of Visitors. He’s also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting various nonprofits, including CHETNA and the Living Dreams Foundation.
The governor’s office noted Agarwal’s educational background, which includes a master’s degree in business administration from the Institute of Management Technology – Ghaziabad India, a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Southern New Hampshire University, and an advanced certificate in International Business from Harvard University.
Governor Abbott also appointed S. David Deanda, Jr. of Mission as vice chair of the board. Deanda is president of Lone Star National Bank and serves on its Board of Directors.
The Texas Economic Development Corporation, through its partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism, plays a crucial role in promoting Texas’s business-friendly environment and attracting new investments to the state, according to the Governor’s office.
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
Fort Worth's Rupa Iyer is expanding Tarleton State University's research and innovation impact in the region and beyond. The Stephenville university new "GRANTED" initiative picks up momentum following the recent approval of Tarleton's new Biotechnology Institute in downtown Fort Worth.
-
North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find more selections to "save the date."
-
Dallas Innovates, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and Dallas AI have teamed up to launch the inaugural AI 75 list. The 2024 program honors the most significant people in AI in DFW in seven categories—the visionaries, creators, and influencers you need to know.
-
Tarleton State University received the go-ahead for a new biotechnology institute as part of Texas A&M-Fort Worth's burgeoning downtown research campus. Approved in mid-August by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, the biotech institute is situated in one of the nation's fastest-growing life sciences hubs. "More than 5,000 biotechnology manufacturing and research and development firms — think Novartis, Alcon, AstraZeneca — call Texas home," according to the university. And DFW now ranks seventh in the U.S. for life science and biotech jobs. The Tarleton State Biotechnology Institute will focus on discovery and innovation in bioinformatics and computational modeling.…
-
The Dallas Public Library's J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in downtown Dallas—one of America's largest—was built in 1982 across from Dallas City Hall, and many agree it could use an overhaul. That especially includes library officials and consultants they brought in for a report on the building's future, among other needed investments in the city's library system.
