Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

Office address: 30 Hudson Yards New York, NY 10001
Website: www.kkr.com
Year established: 1976
Company type: investment firm
Employees: 4,450+
Expertise: private equity, asset management, energy real assets, infrastructure, real estate, credit, strategic partnerships, portfolio management, capital markets, insurance, impact investing, insurance solutions
Parent company: N/A
Key people: Joseph Bae (co-CEO), Scott Nuttall (co-CEO), Henry Kravis (co-executive chair), George Roberts (co-executive chair), Kathryn Sudol (CLO), Robert Lewin (CFO), Ryan Stork (COO), Dane Holmes (CAO)
Financing status: N/A

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) is a New York-based global investment firm with over 4,450 employees, managing more than $600 billion in assets as of Q2 2024. The company invests across private markets, offering tailored alternative investment solutions for institutions, individuals, and communities worldwide. Operating in 17 countries, the firm aims to strengthen companies and support the future of those relying on its diverse asset management strategies.

History of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts was founded in 1976 by cousins Henry Kravis and George Roberts, along with their mentor Jerome Kohlberg, with just $120,000. The firm started as a US-focused private equity company and later expanded into Europe in 1996, establishing its consulting arm Capstone to help companies grow. In 2005, it entered Asia, opening offices in Hong Kong and Tokyo, and launched its Capital Markets business a year later.

The company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2010 and diversified into real estate while promoting the hiring of US military veterans. It transitioned from a limited partnership to a corporation in 2018 and launched a $50 million global relief initiative to support nonprofits and small businesses. In 2024, KKR’s real estate investment trust supported its NAV, committing substantial resources to ensure its stability.

Products and Services of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

KKR offers a range of investment solutions across multiple asset classes, focusing on private markets. Below are the key areas of their investment offerings:

• private equity: investing in businesses across various industries to drive growth and value creation
• infrastructure: funding essential infrastructure projects including energy, transportation, and telecommunications
• real estate: providing investment opportunities in commercial, residential, and industrial properties globally
• credit: offering a wide range of credit solutions, including leveraged loans, direct lending, and alternative credit strategies
• capital markets: providing underwriting, financing, and advisory services to businesses and institutional clients
• insurance: delivering capital and strategic solutions to insurance companies for long-term growth and stability
• strategic partnerships: working with institutional investors to create tailored investment strategies and solutions

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts provides a comprehensive range of alternative asset management and capital market solutions for institutional investors, global wealth, family offices, and companies. Their investment approach focuses on creating value for people, businesses, and communities while addressing critical global challenges.

Culture at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts aims to deliver shared success through purposeful and engaging work that benefits both clients and communities. The firm is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while fostering a strong sense of community. They provide a collaborative, innovative environment with award-winning benefits that support employees in both their professional and personal lives:

• health and family support: comprehensive health care plans, family planning, and fertility support
• professional development: tuition reimbursement and generous parental leave policies
• wellness and perks: free meals, gym access, and wellness programs
• community and inclusion: employee resource groups (ERGs) promoting diversity and inclusion
• recognition for equality: LGBTQ+ equality and adoption-friendly workplace policies

The company’s DEI approach embraces diverse perspectives, believing that varied backgrounds, skills, and experiences strengthen teams and investment decisions. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is committed to building an inclusive culture that reflects its investors, stakeholders, and communities. Their DEI initiatives and achievements include:

• leadership and governance: Inclusion & Diversity Council (IDC) and regional councils guide DEI efforts globally
• employee engagement: 65% of global employees participate in ERGs as of January 2024, with programs engaging the entire firm
• gender diversity: 47% of the workforce and 29% of senior executives are women
• partnerships: collaborates with leading diversity organizations to enhance diversity practices and recruitment
• DEI in action: celebrates women’s achievements and hosted a DEI event for 25 European human capital leaders

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is committed to addressing today’s challenges through philanthropy, employee engagement, and community programs that drive meaningful outcomes. The firm’s Corporate Citizenship program focuses on building a better world through long-term sustainable initiatives. Success is measured by the positive impact KKR’s funded programs have on communities:

• KKR Cares: engages the firm’s team to support communities globally through volunteerism and skill-sharing
• KKR Grants: funds nonprofit organizations to find solutions to complex problems
• KKR in the Community: supports students, partners with schools, and helps rebuild communities

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts’ sustainability approach is centered on creating and protecting long-term value for clients by integrating ESG factors into their business and investment processes. With over $45 billion in sustainability-focused investments since 2010, it aims to reduce risk and enhance performance across its portfolio companies.

About Kohlberg Kravis Roberts co-CEOs Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall and Key People

Joseph Bae became co-CEO of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in 2021, playing a key role in expanding the firm's operations in Asia. Before joining KKR, he worked at Goldman Sachs and is the first Korean-American to hold a major corporate leadership role in the industry. Bae graduated from Harvard College and is a co-founder of The Asian American Foundation.

Scott Nuttall also became co-CEO in 2021, during which he helped triple the company’s shares after succeeding the co-founders. He previously worked at Blackstone and played a major role in taking the organization public. Nuttall holds a bachelor's degree from The Wharton School and serves on KKR's Global Inclusion and Diversity Council.

The team of key people at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts includes several figures responsible for leading the firm’s strategic direction and operations:

• Henry R. Kravis, as co-founder and co-executive chair, continues to oversee the firm's key investment strategies
• George R. Roberts, serving as co-founder and co-executive chair, remains involved in private equity investments and portfolio management
• Kathryn Sudol, as chief legal officer and general counsel, oversees all legal matters and advises the firm on regulatory compliance and corporate governance
• Robert Lewin, serving as CFO, manages the firm’s financial operations, reporting, and overall financial strategy
• Ryan Stork, as COO, leads the daily operations of the firm and oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives
• Dane Holmes, chief administrative officer, directs human resources, internal operations, and talent management efforts across the firm

The Future at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has been raising nearly $500 million monthly from individual investors through its K-Series funds, providing access to alternative investment strategies. The firm estimates that even a small shift in portfolio allocations could result in trillions of investor dollars shifting toward alts. By focusing on product innovation and expanding distribution, KKR is positioning itself to attract more retail investors and further grow its presence in the alternative investment market.

KKR recently convened with investment experts for the GWIC launch, which includes top executives from Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Hightower Advisors. The Global Wealth Investment Council aims to spark discussions on macroeconomic trends and asset allocation in private markets. By gathering industry experts, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts seeks to develop actionable insights to address key challenges like inflation and the need for diversification.