Henry Kravis

$11.83 B

Ranked #248 in World

About Henry Kravis

Henry R. Kravis, a notable American businessman and philanthropist, co-founded investment giant KKR & Co. Inc., and has been a key figure in leveraged buyouts. Born in Tulsa and educated at prominent institutions, Kravis began his career in New York's finance sector, eventually forming KKR in 1976 and overseeing monumental deals like the RJR Nabisco buyout. He's known for sizable philanthropic efforts, political fundraising, and supporting GOP politics. Kravis recently transitioned from co-CEO to co-executive chairman, reflecting his longstanding impact on the financial industry.

Born

January 06, 1944

Age

82 years

Source Of Wealth

Private Equity

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

New York, New York

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Claremont McKenna College; Master of Business Administration, Columbia Business School

Henry R. Kravis was born on January 6, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to a Jewish family. His father, Raymond Kravis, was an oilman and philanthropist, while his mother, Helene, was a homemaker. Kravis attended Eaglebrook School, Loomis Chaffee School, Claremont McKenna College, and Columbia Business School.

Henry Kravis: Family

Henry R. Kravis has been married three times. His first marriage was to Helene Diane "Hedi" Shulman, with whom he had three children. The couple later divorced. Kravis's second marriage was to New York designer Carolyne Roehm, which also ended in divorce. He is currently married to Canadian economist Marie-Josée Drouin.

Henry Kravis: Career Highlights

Kravis began his career in the financial sector of New York City, working at various jobs before joining Bear Stearns with his cousin George R. Roberts. The two became partners at Bear Stearns at young ages and initiated a series of "bootstrap" investments with Kohlberg and Roberts. In 1976, they left Bear Stearns to form Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR).

Kravis led KKR with Roberts after Kohlberg's departure in 1987 and was responsible for the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in 1988. However, KKR divested its RJR Nabisco holdings in 1995, resulting in an overall loss.

Throughout the years, KKR invested in numerous companies, including HCA, TXU, Playtex, Beatrice Foods, Safeway, Toys "R" Us, Borden, First Data, and Regal Entertainment Group. In 2013, KKR closed its first real estate-specific investment fund, raising $1.2 billion.

In 2017, Kravis announced a succession plan, appointing Joseph Y. Bae and Scott C. Nuttall as co-presidents and co-chief operating officers. He stepped down as co-CEO in 2021 but continued as co-executive chairman.

Henry Kravis: Companies

Henry R. Kravis is the co-founder and co-chairman of KKR & Co. Inc., a global investment firm. KKR has made investments in various industries, including private equity, real estate, credit, and infrastructure.

Henry Kravis: Major Achievements

Kravis is known for pioneering leveraged buyouts, a financial strategy involving the acquisition of a company using a significant amount of debt.

He led the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in 1988, which was the largest such transaction at the time.

Under Kravis's leadership, KKR has grown into a global investment firm with over $450 billion in assets under management. He has also been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors and public positions.

Henry Kravis: Awards & Achievements

Kravis has received several awards and honors throughout his career, including the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, the Investment Management's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Columbia Business School's Centennial Award.

In 2019, he was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for his outstanding contributions to charitable causes.

Henry Kravis: Personal Life & Legacy

Kravis is known for his lavish lifestyle and has been criticized for his role in pioneering leveraged buyouts. However, he is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts and his contributions to various educational and cultural institutions.

Kravis has residences in New York City, Palm Beach, Florida, Southampton, New York, Paris, and Sharon, Connecticut.

Henry Kravis: Trivia

Kravis is a supporter of Republican politics and has been involved in fundraising for Republican candidates. He co-established the Republican Leadership Council with Lewis M. Eisenberg in 1997 and contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.

Kravis is also known for his art collection, which includes works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns.

Wealth History

Timeline

1944

Henry R. Kravis is born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to a Jewish family.

1976

Kravis leaves Bear Stearns to form Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) with his cousin George R. Roberts.

1987

Kravis becomes the sole leader of KKR after Jerome Kohlberg's departure.

1988

KKR leads the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, the largest such transaction at the time.

1995

KKR divests its RJR Nabisco holdings, resulting in an overall loss.

2013

KKR closes its first real estate specific investment fund, raising $1.2 billion.

2017

Kravis announces a succession plan, naming Joseph Y. Bae and Scott C. Nuttall as co-presidents and co-chief operating officers.

2021

Kravis steps down as co-CEO of KKR but continues as co-executive chairman.

Henry Kravis : FAQs

What is Henry Kravis's current net worth?

Henry Kravis's current net worth is $11.83 billion.

What is Henry Kravis's current global rank among billionaires?

Henry Kravis holds the 248th position globally among billionaires.

What is Henry Kravis's current ranking within the United States?

Henry Kravis holds the 97th position in United States.

What was the change in Henry Kravis's net worth compared to the previous year?

Henry Kravis's net worth decreased by 2.74 billion dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 14.56 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Henry Kravis's net worth?

Henry Kravis's net worth increased by 164.46 million dollars recently, a 1.39% increase, with his net worth standing at 11.83 billion dollars.

What are Henry Kravis's main sources of wealth?

Henry Kravis's main source of income comes from Private Equity.

In which industry does Henry Kravis primarily operate?

Henry Kravis is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Henry Kravis educational background?

Henry Kravis holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Claremont McKenna College and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

How old is Henry Kravis?

Henry Kravis is 82 years old.

How many children does Henry Kravis have?

Henry Kravis has 2 children.

Who is Henry R. Kravis and what is he known for in the business world?

Henry R. Kravis is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist, renowned for co-founding the global investment firm KKR & Co. Inc. and pioneering the practice of leveraged buyouts. He is also noted for his criticisms regarding his lavish lifestyle.

Can you highlight the major milestones in Henry R. Kravis's career?

Henry R. Kravis began his career in New York City's financial sector, moved on to join Bear Stearns where he became a partner, and later co-founded KKR in 1976. He was instrumental in the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco and led major investments in a variety of companies. Kravis continued to play a significant role in KKR, stepping down as co-CEO in 2021 but remains co-executive chairman.

What are some of Henry R. Kravis's personal life details and political affiliations?

Henry R. Kravis has been married three times, currently to economist Marie-Josée Drouin. He resides in several locations including New York, Palm Beach, Southampton, Paris, and Sharon. Politically, he is a Republican supporter, having contributed to campaigns of George W. Bush, John McCain, George H. W. Bush, and Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.

What philanthropic efforts and public positions is Henry R. Kravis associated with?

Henry R. Kravis is a noted philanthropist, having established the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Nonprofit Leadership and contributing to various educational initiatives. He has donated to health and arts institutions, co-chaired the Partnership for New York City, is involved with the Council on Foreign Relations, and supports Columbia Business School's expansion with a $100 million pledge.