Henry Kravis Net Worth: How He Built His Private Equity Empire

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Posted Oct 28, 2024

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Henry Kravis is a true pioneer in the private equity industry, and his net worth is a testament to his hard work and strategic vision. He co-founded KKR in 1976 with Jerome Kohlberg and Stephen Schwarzman.

With a career spanning over four decades, Kravis has built a reputation as a shrewd dealmaker and a master of leveraging debt to drive growth. He has a keen eye for spotting undervalued companies and turning them around for significant profits.

Kravis's success can be attributed to his ability to navigate complex financial deals and build strong relationships with investors, partners, and clients. His leadership has enabled KKR to grow into one of the largest private equity firms in the world.

Through his work at KKR, Kravis has been involved in some of the most high-profile deals in history, including the $25 billion leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in 1988.

Henry Kravis Net Worth

Henry Kravis' net worth is estimated to be $11.3 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index. He earned this fortune as the co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR), a multinational private equity firm.

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Kravis co-founded KKR in 1976 with his business partners Jerome Kohlberg Jr. and George R. Roberts. This marked the beginning of his successful career in the private equity industry.

Kravis' involvement with KKR led to his significant wealth accumulation, making him one of the most successful businessmen of his time. His business acumen and investment strategies played a crucial role in shaping the company's success.

KKR specializes in leveraged buyouts, a type of investment strategy that has contributed to Kravis' wealth. His experience in this area has been invaluable to the company's growth and success.

Career and Co-Founding

Henry Kravis co-founded KKR in 1976, along with his first cousin George R. Roberts, and Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. They joined Bear Stearns in 1969 under corporate finance manager Jerome Kohlberg, Jr.

The trio's collaboration led to the formation of KKR, which initially specialized in buyouts through limited partnerships. Kravis and Roberts assumed leadership of KKR in 1987, guiding it through various milestones.

Here are some key investments made by KKR under Kravis' leadership:

  • TXU (now Energy Future Holdings)
  • Alliance Boots
  • Toys "R" Us
  • RJR Nabisco
  • Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
  • TXU
  • Playtex
  • Beatrice Foods
  • Safeway
  • Duracell

These investments contributed to the growth of KKR and, consequently, to Henry Kravis's wealth.

Co-Founder Career Note

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Henry Kravis, the co-founder of KKR, joined Bear Stearns in 1969 under corporate finance manager Jerome Kohlberg, Jr. This marked the beginning of a successful partnership that would eventually lead to the formation of KKR in 1976.

Kravis and his first cousin George R. Roberts invested $10,000 each of their own capital in KKR, with Kohlberg investing $100,000. These early investments laid the foundation for the firm's future success.

Under Kravis and Roberts' leadership, KKR initially specialized in buyouts through limited partnerships and later diversified its investments. The firm's success was marked by strategic buyouts, streamlining, and innovative financial instruments like "carried interest."

KKR's assets under management grew significantly over the years, reaching $510 billion by the time Kravis stepped down as co-CEO in 2017. During his tenure, Kravis contributed to the growth of KKR through numerous high-profile transactions, including the acquisition of TXU and the takeover of Alliance Boots.

Here's a brief timeline of Kravis' involvement with KKR:

  • 1969: Joined Bear Stearns under Jerome Kohlberg, Jr.
  • 1976: Formed KKR with George R. Roberts and Jerome Kohlberg, Jr.
  • 1987: Assumed leadership of KKR with George R. Roberts
  • 2017: Stepped down as co-CEO, but continued as co-executive chairman

Mr. Salary

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Mr. Kravis' salary is a whopping $42,011,119 as the Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman of KKR & Co. Inc.

There are 1 executives at KKR & Co. Inc getting paid more than Mr. Kravis, with George R. Roberts J.D. having the highest compensation of $42,012,533.

It's worth noting that Mr. Kravis' salary is very high, but it's not the highest at his company.

Investment Philosophy and Techniques

Henry Kravis' investment philosophy and techniques have been instrumental in his success. He pioneered the leveraged buyout technique, turning conventional investing on its head by harnessing the power of debt to seize and enhance businesses.

Kravis' strategy involves spotting undervalued assets by diving deep into research on a company's fundamentals. He doesn't follow the herd; he blazes his own trail, finding opportunities that others miss.

By rolling up his sleeves and getting to work improving companies, Kravis achieves operational excellence. He teams up with management, implementing top-tier practices and ramping up efficiency.

Investment Philosophy and Techniques

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Henry Kravis' investment philosophy is centered around the idea of seizing and enhancing businesses through the power of debt. He pioneered the leveraged buyout technique, turning conventional investing on its head.

Kravis' approach is not just about buying low and selling high, but about harnessing debt to achieve significant returns. He introduced a thrilling new playbook that has become a game-changer in the world of investing.

To adapt Kravis' techniques, you don't need to have deep pockets for leveraged buyouts. You can still spot undervalued assets and use leverage wisely, just like Kravis does.

Kravis' key tactic is to blaze his own trail by diving deep into research on a company's fundamentals. He doesn't follow the herd, and you can do the same by rolling up your sleeves and getting to work.

Once Kravis snaps up a company, he doesn't kick back and relax. He rolls up his sleeves and gets to work improving the company, which is a strategy you can mirror with your portfolio by diversifying, rebalancing, and staying on top of market trends.

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Kravis knows exactly when to cash out, and he doesn't panic when the market takes a nosedive or a stock price plummets. He trusts his analysis and leadership enough to hold out until the moment is ripe.

Kravis is a firm believer in the power of collaboration, working hand-in-hand with portfolio companies to ignite operational enhancements and unleash untapped growth. He's relentless in his pursuit of operational excellence.

Venture Capital Investing

Kravis has taken a strategic pivot into venture capital investments, focusing on early-stage companies with groundbreaking technologies and high growth potential.

He's invested in rising stars like Kalshi, Athena, and 100Plus, which are shaking up the status quo with their innovative approaches.

These venture escapades are separate from his KKR dealings, allowing him to explore new market opportunities and innovation.

Kravis's venture capital investments are turbocharging his portfolio and amplifying his returns, a testament to the power of diversifying investment strategies.

Company and Executives

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Henry Kravis is the Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman of KKR & Co. Inc.

Henry Kravis has a strong team behind him, including other key executives and stock owners. George R. Roberts J.D. is also a Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman of KKR & Co. Inc.

Here are some of the key executives and stock owners at KKR & Co. Inc.:

  • George R. Roberts J.D., Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman
  • Henry Robert Kravis, Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman
  • George Roberts, Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer of KKR Management LLC
  • Henry Kravis, Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer of KKR Management LLC
  • Scott C. Nuttall, Co-CEO & Director
  • Joseph Y. Bae, Co-CEO & Director
  • Robert H. Lewin, Chief Financial Officer
  • David J. Sorkin, Partner, Gen. Counsel & Sec.
  • Joseph Grundfest, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Robert Scully, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Thomas Schoewe, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Patricia Russo, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • David Drummond, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Mary Dillon, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Xavier Niel, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • John Hess, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC

What Does the Company Do?

KKR & Co. Inc is a leading global investment firm that manages investments across multiple asset classes. Founded in 1976, the company is led by Henry Kravis and George Roberts.

KKR invests in private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge funds. It aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach.

The company employs world-class people to drive growth and value creation at the asset level. KKR invests its own capital alongside its partners' capital.

KKR brings opportunities to others through its capital markets business. References to KKR's investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds.

Executives and Shareholders

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The executives and shareholders of KKR & Co. Inc are a diverse group of individuals with various roles and responsibilities. George R. Roberts J.D. is the Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman of the company.

KKR & Co. Inc has two co-founders, George Roberts and Henry Robert Kravis, who also serve as Exec. Co-Chairmen. This suggests a strong leadership team with a long history at the company.

George Roberts is also the Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer of KKR Management LLC. Henry Kravis holds the same roles as George Roberts.

The company's co-CEOs are Scott C. Nuttall and Joseph Y. Bae. They are also members of the board of directors.

Here is a list of the company's executives and shareholders:

  • George R. Roberts J.D., Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman
  • Henry Robert Kravis, Co-Founder & Exec. Co-Chairman
  • George Roberts, Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer of KKR Management LLC
  • Henry Kravis, Co-Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief Executive Officer of KKR Management LLC
  • Scott C. Nuttall, Co-CEO & Director
  • Joseph Y. Bae, Co-CEO & Director
  • Robert H. Lewin, Chief Financial Officer
  • David J. Sorkin, Partner, Gen. Counsel & Sec.
  • Joseph Grundfest, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Robert Scully, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Thomas Schoewe, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Patricia Russo, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • David Drummond, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Mary Dillon, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Xavier Niel, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • John Hess, Independent Director of KKR Management LLC
  • Robert Lewin, Chief Financial Officer of KKR Management LLC
  • Craig Larson, IR Contact Officer
  • Carolyn Jehle, Director, Bus. Operations
  • Emilia Sherifova, Chief Information & Innovation Officer
  • Todd Falk, Director and Chief Accounting Officer of Energy Real Assets
  • Henry H. McVey, Partner & Head of Global Macro, Balance Sheet and Risk, CIO of KKR Balance Sheet Holdings L.P.
  • William J Janetschek, Chief Financial Officer
  • Todd A Fisher, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Ryan Stork, Chief Operating Officer
  • Kathryn King Sudol, Chief Legal Officer & GC
  • Dane E Holmes, Chief Administrative Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raymond Kravis related to Henry Kravis?

Henry Kravis' father, Raymond Kravis, is his parent, making them related by family ties.

Caroline Cruickshank

Senior Writer

Caroline Cruickshank is a skilled writer with a diverse portfolio of articles across various categories. Her expertise spans topics such as living individuals, business leaders, and notable figures in the venture capital industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Caroline crafts engaging and informative content that captivates her readers.

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