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Robert Kraft, an esteemed American sports executive and businessman, is the Chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, a diversified holding company. He is renowned for owning the New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS), and Boston Uprising (esports). With an estimated net worth of $11.1 billion, according to Forbes, Kraft has achieved remarkable success in both his sports ventures and business career. Beginning with the Rand-Whitney Group, he gained control of the company through a leveraged buyout and later founded International Forest Products, establishing the largest privately held paper and packaging companies in the US. In the world of sports, Kraft has demonstrated his ownership prowess, leading the Patriots to an impressive six Super Bowl championships and overseeing the establishment of the New England Revolution. Additionally, he has made substantial contributions to philanthropic causes, donating millions of dollars to support various initiatives, including education, healthcare, and combating antisemitism. Kraft's achievements have earned him numerous awards and honors, further solidifying his iconic status in the world of finance and sports.
June 05, 1941 in Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S.
84 years
Manufacturing, New England Patriots
Sports
United States
Brookline, Massachusetts
Bachelor of Arts/Science, Columbia University; Master of Business Administration, Harvard Business School
Robert Kraft was born on June 5, 1941, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He is the son of Sarah Bryna (Webber) and Harry Kraft, a dress manufacturer. Kraft attended Columbia University on an academic scholarship, where he played tennis and safety on the school's football teams. He graduated from Columbia in 1963 and Harvard Business School in 1965.
Robert Kraft: Family
Robert Kraft married Myra Nathalie Hiatt in 1963. They had four sons together: Jonathan A. Kraft, Daniel A. Kraft, Joshua M. Kraft, and David H. Kraft. Myra passed away in 2011. Kraft dated actress Ricki Noel Lander from 2012 to 2018. He is currently engaged to Dana Blumberg.
Robert Kraft: Career Highlights
Kraft began his career with the Rand-Whitney Group, a packaging company run by his father-in-law. He gained control of the company through a leveraged buyout in 1968. Kraft founded International Forest Products in 1972, a trader of physical paper commodities. He combined the two companies to form the largest privately held paper and packaging company in the United States.
Kraft is also an investor in New England Television Corp., which gained control of Boston's channel 7 license in 1982. He served as president of the corporation from 1986 to 1991.
Robert Kraft: Companies
Robert Kraft is the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, a diversified holding company. The Kraft Group owns the New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS), and Boston Uprising (esports). Kraft is also the founder and chairman of the board of directors for International Forest Products, the largest privately held paper and packaging company in the United States.
Robert Kraft: Major Achievements
Kraft has achieved significant success as a sports owner. Under his ownership, the New England Patriots have won six Super Bowl championships and numerous conference and division titles. Kraft also founded the New England Revolution, a charter member of Major League Soccer, in 1996.
Robert Kraft: Awards & Achievements
Kraft has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to sports and philanthropy.
He is a six-time Super Bowl champion as the owner of the Patriots and has received the George Halas Award (2012), Theodore Roosevelt Award (2006), John Jay Award from Columbia University (1987), Alexander Hamilton Medal from Columbia University (2004), and honorary doctorate in humane letters from Yeshiva University (2015). Kraft was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011) and received the Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence (2013).
Robert Kraft: Personal Life & Legacy
Kraft is known for his philanthropy and has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes, including education, child- and women-related issues, healthcare, youth sports, and American and Israeli causes. He has also been involved in several high-profile controversies, including charges for soliciting prostitution at a day spa in 2019, which were later dropped.
Robert Kraft: Trivia
Kraft is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics. He is also a licensed pilot and has flown his own plane to various Patriots away games. Kraft is a member of the board of directors for several organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Robert Kraft is born in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Graduates from Columbia University.
Graduates from Harvard Business School.
Gains control of the Rand-Whitney Group through a leveraged buyout.
Founds International Forest Products, a trader of physical paper commodities.
Purchases the Boston Lobsters of World TeamTennis (WTT).
Boston Lobsters fold and the league soon follows.
Investor in New England Television Corp., which gained control of Boston's channel 7 license.
Buys Foxboro Raceway, preventing Patriots owner Billy Sullivan from holding non-Patriot events.
Serves as president of New England Television Corp. from 1986 to 1991.
Outbids competitors to buy the Patriots out of bankruptcy court for $22 million.
Turns down an offer to sell the team's lease for $75 million.
Founds the New England Revolution, a charter member of Major League Soccer.
Owns the San Jose Clash (later San Jose Earthquakes) from 1998 to 2000.
Traded a first-round draft pick to the New York Jets for the rights to hire Bill Belichick as head coach.
Drafted quarterback Tom Brady, who became the team's starter from 2001 to 2019.
The Patriots win their first Super Bowl championship.
The Patriots win their second Super Bowl championship.
The Patriots win their third Super Bowl championship.
Expressed interest in investing in Liverpool F.C. in 2005 but the club was sold to American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
The New England Revolution win the U.S. Open Cup.
Myra Nathalie Hiatt, Robert Kraft's wife, passes away.
Robert Kraft is awarded the George Halas Award.
The Patriots win their fourth Super Bowl championship.
Robert Kraft is awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Yeshiva University.
The Patriots win their fifth Super Bowl championship.
Robert Kraft is named Honorary Chairman of the board of directors for the successful joint Canadian-Mexican-American bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bought ownership in the Boston Uprising, one of the first seven teams for the professional esports Overwatch League.
The Patriots win their sixth Super Bowl championship.
Robert Kraft is awarded the Genesis Prize.
Robert Kraft faces charges for soliciting prostitution at a day spa, but all charges are dropped.
The New England Revolution win the Supporters Shield.
Robert Kraft becomes engaged to Dana Blumberg.
Robert Kraft marries Dana Blumberg.
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