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KKR Alternative Investment Management
KKR was founded in 1976 by Henry Kravis, George Roberts, and Jerome Kohlberg Jr., pioneering the leveraged buyout model that defined private equity for...
KKR Alternative Investment Management
KKR was founded in 1976 by Henry Kravis, George Roberts, and Jerome Kohlberg Jr., pioneering the leveraged buyout model that defined private equity for decades. The firm's modern structure is led by co-CEOs Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall, who succeeded Kravis and Roberts in 2021 after a planned succession (per Bloomberg, 2021). KKR invests across four primary asset classes: private equity, private credit, infrastructure, and real estate. The firm also manages hedge funds and multi-asset strategies. Geographically, KKR operates in 20 offices spread across North America, Europe, Asia, and emerging markets including Latin America and the Middle East. Notable portfolio companies have included First Data, Epicor, and Cloudera, with recent emphasis on infrastructure plays like CyrusOne (data centers) and Moe's Southwest Grill (restaurant franchise). As of Q1 2024, KKR reported $518B in assets under management (per KKR, Q1 2024). The firm has expanded its capital base through permanent insurance capital, including its 2020 acquisition of Global Atlantic Financial Group for $4.4B (per KKR, 2020). KKR also operates a philanthropic arm, KKR Foundation, founded in 2006. KKR's structural differentiator lies in its permanent capital base, anchored by insurance assets and long-dated funds that reduce the pressure to exit holdings on a fixed schedule. The firm has also built a proprietary deal-sourcing network through its global office footprint and industry specialization.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
1976
AUM
$518B (per KKR, Q1 2024)
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
New York, NY, United States
Additional offices
San Francisco · London · Hong Kong · Sydney · Mumbai · Tokyo · Dubai · São Paulo
Principals
Henry Kravis
Co-Executive Chairman
George Roberts
Co-Executive Chairman
Joseph Bae
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Scott Nuttall
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at KKR?
KKR is co-managed by CEOs Joseph Bae and Scott Nuttall, who oversee all investment activities. The firm's investment committee includes senior partners from each asset class, with decisions subject to a firm-wide capital allocation process (per KKR, 2024).
How does KKR source proprietary deal flow?
KKR's deal sourcing leverages its 20-office global network, industry sector teams, and long-standing relationships with corporate executives and intermediaries. The firm emphasizes direct origination through dedicated coverage of mid-market companies and large-cap buyouts (per KKR, 2024).
Does KKR participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
KKR operates as both a direct investor and a fund manager. It offers closed-end private equity funds open to institutional investors, alongside co-investment opportunities and separate accounts tailored for large LPs. The firm also manages permanent capital via its acquisition of Global Atlantic (per KKR, 2020).
What investment stages does KKR typically target?
KKR invests across the full lifecycle — from growth equity and buyouts to infrastructure and real estate. The firm targets a mix of control and minority stakes, with a focus on long-term value creation through operational improvements (per KKR, 2024).
Which sectors does KKR explicitly avoid?
KKR does not publicly disclose a list of excluded sectors, but its portfolio skews toward industrials, technology, consumer, financial services, and healthcare. The firm has historically avoided gambling, tobacco, and certain controversial defense investments through its ESG framework (per KKR, 2024).
How is KKR structured relative to a single family office?
KKR is a publicly traded alternative asset manager (NYSE: KKR), not a family office. The firm is owned by public shareholders alongside founding partners, with Henry Kravis and George Roberts retaining significant equity stakes. It manages capital for institutional clients, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals (per KKR, 2024).
Does KKR maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
Yes, KKR established the KKR Foundation in 2006, which focuses on education and economic opportunity. The foundation is funded by KKR and its partners, operating independently from the firm's investment activities (per KKR Foundation).
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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