Henry Kravis Financier, co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts Country: USA

1. Biography of Henry Kravis
2. Early Life and Education
3. Career
4. Personal Life
5. Political and Philanthropic Activities

Biography of Henry Kravis

Henry Kravis is an American business financier, investor, and co-founder of the company Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. He is known for his extensive list of acquisitions and sales, which includes many well-known American brands in various industries such as HCA Inc., Texaco, Playtex, Beatrice, Safeway, Duracell, Toys R Us, Borden, and First Data, Inc. With a net worth estimated at $5.5 billion, Henry Kravis was ranked 69th on Forbes' list of the world's richest people.

Early Life and Education

Henry Kravis started his education at Eaglebrook School and later attended Loomis Chaffee School for his high school education. He went on to specialize in economics at Claremont McKenna College in California. After completing his undergraduate studies, Henry continued his education at Columbia University, where he earned an MBA degree.

Career

After finishing his studies, Henry Kravis held various positions before joining the staff of Bear Stearns, a renowned investment bank. It was there that he worked under the leadership of Jerome Kohlberg Jr., the head of the firm's finance department. In his early thirties, Henry and his cousin George Roberts became partners in the company.

In 1976, Henry, his brother, and Jerome left Bear Stearns and founded their own investment firm, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. In 1987, Jerome Kohlberg left the company, and Henry Kravis and George Roberts continued to lead the firm. Their company specialized in the acquisition and sale of diverse companies, including major American brands in the medical and other industries.

Personal Life

Henry Kravis has been married three times. His first marriage, to Elena Shulman, ended in the early 1980s. They had three sons together, one of whom tragically died in a car accident at the age of nineteen. Henry later married again, but the second marriage was short-lived. His current wife, Mary R. Drohan, is a former television presenter and currently works at the Hudson Institute. She is also a board member of several funds and organizations and serves as the president of the Museum of Modern Art.

Political and Philanthropic Activities

Henry Kravis is a supporter of the Republican Party and has been involved in fundraising for Presidents George W. Bush and John McCain. He is also known for his philanthropic efforts. Kravis's foundations sponsor various research programs, fund construction projects, educational institutions, and other organizations.