1976
OUR FOUNDING
KKR is founded by George Roberts, Henry Kravis and Jerome Kohlberg.
Henry Kravis and George Roberts discuss KKR’s culture and values over dinner at Joe and Rose Restaurant in NYC.
Insurance firms partner with KKR in funding deals.
1970s
Pictured: George and Henry in college
1984
First Public Company Buyout
KKR completes first buyout of a public company, Malone & Hyde.
PUBLIC PENSIONS INVEST IN KKR
The first state public pension funds—Oregon, Washington and Michigan—invest in KKR’s private equity funds.
1982
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
1980s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
EXPANSION OVERSEAS
KKR expands into Europe.
1996
2000
KKR LAUNCHES CAPSTONE
KKR forms Capstone, adding value creation resources for companies.
BUILDING A MULTI-ASSET PLATFORM
KKR diversifies the business by expanding into Credit.
2004
ASIA EXPANSION
KKR expands into Asia, opening offices in Tokyo and Hong Kong.
2005
1990s
2000s
2010s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
CAPITAL MARKETS LAUNCH
KKR launches the Capital Markets business.
2006
2010
NYSE LISTING
KKR begins trading on the NYSE.
INFRASTRUCTURE ENTRY
KKR diversifies the business by expanding into Infrastructure.
2009
2008
GREEN PORTFOLIO PROGRAM
KKR launches Green Portfolio Program to optimize business performance by improving resource use and environmental performance.
STRATEGIC EXPANSION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
KKR diversifies the business by expanding into Real Estate.
KKR adds the Global Macro & Asset Allocation team to provide insights on macro trends and the global economy.
KKR launches Vets @ Work to promote the hiring of U.S. military veterans and spouses across KKR’s portfolio.
2011
INVESTING IN AN OWNERSHIP CULTURE
KKR supports first broad-based employee ownership program at then portfolio company Capital Safety.
2012
2013
KKR Global Institute
KKR establishes the KKR Global Institute to provide insights on geopolitical issues and global trends.
A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
KKR enters a strategic partnership with Marshall Wace, a global alternative investment manager.
2015
2016
40 for 40 volunteer program
In honor of KKR’s 40th anniversary, KKR starts the employee volunteer program KKR 40 for 40.
2018
Corporation conversion
KKR converts from a limited partnership to
a corporation.
$50M global relief
KKR launches $50 million relief efforts to support nonprofits, small businesses and social entrepreneurs around the world.
2020
Global Atlantic partnership AND leadership transition
KKR enters a strategic partnership with Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited, a leading retirement and life insurance company that became a majority-owned subsidiary of KKR.
Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall named Co-Chief Executive Officers at KKR; Henry Kravis and George Roberts become Co-Executive Chairmen of KKR.
2021
Expanding in Japan and Championing Employee Ownership and Workplace Culture
KKR expands real estate business in Japan with acquisition of KJR Management.
KKR becomes a founding partner of Ownership Works, a nonprofit created to support public and private companies in implementing ownership cultures.
KKR formalizes Employee Resource Groups to build communities and support employees.
2022
2024
KKR Joins S&P 500 and Acquires
Global Atlantic
Global Atlantic Financial Group becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR.
KKR officially joins the S&P 500.
1977
First Buyout
KKR completes its first buyout,
A.J. Industries.
Executive Appointments
Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall become
Co-Presidents and Co-Chief Operating Officers.
2017
Executive Appointments