About

Henry R. Kravis, one of the pioneers in the private equity industry, cofounded Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) in 1976. For thirty-five years, Mr. Kravis, along with KKR cofounder George Roberts, has led the firm’s growth into a leading global investment firm with more than $61 billion in assets under management. Mr. Kravis is actively involved in managing the firm and serves on its investment and portfolio management committees.

Prior to cofounding KKR, Mr. Kravis worked in the investment banking group at Bear Stearns & Company from 1969 to 1976, becoming a partner at 30. During this time, he, along with Mr. Roberts and Jerome Kohlberg, originated what is now known as private equity.

Mr. Kravis earned a BA in economics from Claremont McKenna College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

He currently serves as a member of the board of directors of First Data Corporation and the China International Capital Corporation Limited. He also serves as a director or trustee of several cultural and educational institutions, including the Partnership for New York City (former chairman), Mount Sinai Hospital, Columbia Business School (cochair), Rockefeller University (vice chairman), Claremont McKenna College, and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Kravis is cochairman of the New York City Investment Fund (NYCIF), a nonprofit organization he founded in 1996 to create jobs and help small businesses in New York City.

At Claremont McKenna College, he founded the Kravis Leadership Institute and established the Kravis Prize in Leadership, awarded annually to an international nonprofit organization that demonstrates leadership, creativity, and sustainability.

He was appointed an officer of the French Legion of Honor by President Sarkozy. In addition, he has received honorary doctorates from Claremont McKenna College, Bank Street College, and Monmouth College.