An Insight into Henry Kravis

No amount of downturn can dampen the reputation of one of the most consistent figures profiled in the exclusive Forbes’ 400 Richest Americans. The self-made business icon that is Henry Kravis ranked #77 in 2009. Having graduated from Claremont McKenna College, he completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration with the prestigious Columbia University. Today, he is based in New York City where he still actively directs the course of pioneer Leverage Buyout (LBO) firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. He established this together with colleagues from his former affiliation with Bear Sterns. Even earlier, he served at the helm of Katy Industries.

At 65 years old, he has seen the highs and lows of corporate America — and may have duly influenced a significant number of these milestones. One such feat was the successful RJR Nabisco Buyout — the most lucrative at the time and a book-worthy model for the application of Kravis’ LBO strategy. 2009 now sees KKR making a critical move to go public.

In speaking of how he became what he is today, Henry Kravis shares that he, “…picked a field where I had a little exposure. Where I thought I could have an enormous challenge, and have a chance to really do some good, to be a pioneer in an area, and not just be like everyone else.” This statement gives quite the insight into the mind of an entrepreneur, an industry leader, and most importantly, a life-long learner.