Tech CEO Tanvir Arfi Becomes Barton School’s Latest Executive-in-Residence
Jan. 18, 2023
By Barton School of Business
W. Frank Barton School of Business
The W. Frank Barton School of Business is home to some of the best programs, brightest
minds and biggest opportunities in Kansas. From the largest selection of AACSB-accredited
programs in the state to the limitless opportunities for applied learning in Kansas'
business hub, Barton School students have everything they need for career success
The W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is pleased to announce
that founder, chairman and CEO of Banyan Technologies Group, Tanvir Arfi, has been
named the School’s Spring 2023 Executive-in-Residence. Residents provide Barton School
students, faculty and the Wichita community with vital perspectives and knowledge
from industry leaders.
“Tanvir brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, insights and thoughtful opinions,”
said Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “I think our college and community
will greatly benefit from having him as our Spring 2023 Executive-in-Residence.”
In this role, Arfi will provide mentorship opportunities to students, exchange ideas
with Barton School faculty and host a conversation with business leaders. As a guest
lecturer, he will bring “Real Case Studies on Digital Marketing Technologies,” from
Banyan’s portfolio that operate over 100 eCommerce websites and provide multi-channel
Digital Marketing technologies for some of the best known brands in the world. In
addition, Arfi will also deliver a keynote presentation titled “Future of Mobility:
Electric Vehicles (EVs), Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and Emerging Technologies that
will change the future of Human Mobility”.
“I’ve spent a large portion of career in technology and the impact it has on variety
of industries,” said Arfi. “Technology has and will continue to change the way we
move, think, interact, work and live. It’s imperative to understand where we are and
where we’re headed.”
Arfi launched Banyan Technologies Group, a B2B services and software company in 2018,
after leading two successful exits in large cap publicly traded companies while serving
as CEO of Automotive Aftermarket businesses serving Auto OEMs; their Franchised Dealer
networks; and the independent Aftermarket. Arfi led the $1.25B carve out of SPX Corp’s
auto business in 2013 and was part of the leadership team that led the $6.5 billion
public to private transaction of Solera Holdings in 2016.
He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University and
a master’s degree from Wichita State University. Arfi is a certified Lean Enterprise
and Six Sigma Expert, an American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Reliability Engineer
and a certified Malcolm Baldrige Examiner. He is an auto enthusiast who loves 1960s
and 1970s American muscle cars and a licensed private pilot. He currently resides
in the greater Dallas area with his family.
“We are so excited to welcome Tanvir back to Wichita State,” said Dr. Shirley Lefever,
Executive Vice President and Provost at Wichita State University. “The Executive-in-Residence
program has been a great asset to the Barton School and this university. We look forward
to Tanvir adding his mark on this experience.”