KKR, led by Henry Kravis, does more than just broker some of the world's biggest deals. Every year, the Henry Kravis Prize in Leadership recognizes innovations in nonprofits. Pratham, India’s largest education nonprofit, was awarded $250,000
Pratham has reached 34 million children across India through its Read India program, which works with governments and communities to improve the reading, writing, and basic arithmetic skills of children aged 6-14.
“We are delighted that a very high profile selection committee picked us after a thorough process without involving any of the organizations in the running, Of course, the award is for what we have done in the past and there are many bigger challenges ahead,” said Madhav Chavan.
Past honorees for the Henry Kravis Prize include Roy Prosterman, founder of the Rural Development Institute; Fazle Abed, founder of BRAC, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), and Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, founder of the Afghan Institute of Learning.
Showing posts with label Henry Kravis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henry Kravis. Show all posts
Friday, March 26, 2010
Monday, September 21, 2009
Marc Lipschultz (KKR)
(This is my fifth article on the leaders of KKR. Be sure to check through my archives to find other KKR notables). -Stan
Being pioneers of the business, it is easy to assume that to replace Henry Kravis and George Roberts is something that the firm would rather not think about, especially now that the business is booming and opportunities seem to appear in every corner. KKR still looks ahead with gusto to the future with the two founders still at the helm of the ship.
But to give credit where credit is due, the two founding partners are not just resting on their laurels. Little by little, the two have taken steps in future-proofing their firm; in making sure that whenever they decide to give up the driver’s seat, they will be leaving the steering wheel at the hands of capable drivers. Many critics doubt that anyone can replace what the pioneers have done with regards to the business industry. But with these potential, one can see that they have at least a strong fighting chance to do so. One of the up and coming minds that play secondary captains to KKR’s ship is Marc Lipschultz.
Marc Lipschultz is one of the leaders of the energy industry group at KKR and was involved in all aspects of KKR's investment in International Transmission Holdings and the announced agreements to invest in UniSource Energy Corporation and Texas Genco. A graduate of Stanford University and the Harvard Business School, Marc Lipschultz also serves as member of the board of directors in companies like Amphenol Corporation and The Boyds Collection Limited. He also serves as a special advisor along with Henry Kravis for the company Accel KKR.
Dubbed as the rising star of KKR, Marc Lipschultz joined KKR 12 years ago, coming from Goldman Sachs. At 38, he has already been involved in many of the firm’s big company acquisitions like the $45 billion purchase of TXU, a Texas-based energy group.
Through hiring individuals with class like that of Marc Lipschultz, the doubts that the future of KKR after its founders have left will be forgotten in many of the critics’ minds.
Being pioneers of the business, it is easy to assume that to replace Henry Kravis and George Roberts is something that the firm would rather not think about, especially now that the business is booming and opportunities seem to appear in every corner. KKR still looks ahead with gusto to the future with the two founders still at the helm of the ship.
But to give credit where credit is due, the two founding partners are not just resting on their laurels. Little by little, the two have taken steps in future-proofing their firm; in making sure that whenever they decide to give up the driver’s seat, they will be leaving the steering wheel at the hands of capable drivers. Many critics doubt that anyone can replace what the pioneers have done with regards to the business industry. But with these potential, one can see that they have at least a strong fighting chance to do so. One of the up and coming minds that play secondary captains to KKR’s ship is Marc Lipschultz.
Marc Lipschultz is one of the leaders of the energy industry group at KKR and was involved in all aspects of KKR's investment in International Transmission Holdings and the announced agreements to invest in UniSource Energy Corporation and Texas Genco. A graduate of Stanford University and the Harvard Business School, Marc Lipschultz also serves as member of the board of directors in companies like Amphenol Corporation and The Boyds Collection Limited. He also serves as a special advisor along with Henry Kravis for the company Accel KKR.
Dubbed as the rising star of KKR, Marc Lipschultz joined KKR 12 years ago, coming from Goldman Sachs. At 38, he has already been involved in many of the firm’s big company acquisitions like the $45 billion purchase of TXU, a Texas-based energy group.
Through hiring individuals with class like that of Marc Lipschultz, the doubts that the future of KKR after its founders have left will be forgotten in many of the critics’ minds.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
George Roberts: Model Businessman
(This is my fourth article on my series of the people who run KKR. Check out my bios of Henry Kravis, Scott Nuttall, and Bill Janetscheck).
George Roberts is a revered businessman in the realm of financial industry. Heading the successful financial firm Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) with Henry Kravis, he has obtained success through careful and efficient leadership. KKR has been involved in many of the last three decades’ biggest acquisitions, most notably that of RJR Nabisco in 1988. This aggressive yet effective leadership style characterizes George Roberts’ skills as a businessman. For more than three decades, this financial industry leader has influenced many of his colleagues with the way he carries himself and the firm.
George Roberts reveals that the firm’s culture depends on their reputation; that their word is their bond; and both are paramount to their success. These values upheld by George Roberts are reflected in the way their firm operates as a whole. KKR is responsible for many of the world’s largest and most complex private equity transactions worldwide. A reputation for integrity and fair dealing, the firm relies on this reputation to generate and add to their distinguished record of profitable and successful ventures.
Majority of his colleagues in the financial industry see George Roberts as a model businessman. Throughout his career, he has received accolades reflecting how excellently he works not only in his corporate job but also with activities beyond his business. He received his alma mater Culver Military Academy’s Man of the Year Award and has been consistently included in the Forbes List of Richest Americans, merits that are deservedly his to take. Guiding their protégés, both he and his cousin, Henry Kravis, are building up and ensuring the future of KKR. By being an example to the next generation KKR management, George Roberts will be able to retire knowing that he has maximized every opportunity that has come his way.
George Roberts is a revered businessman in the realm of financial industry. Heading the successful financial firm Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co (KKR) with Henry Kravis, he has obtained success through careful and efficient leadership. KKR has been involved in many of the last three decades’ biggest acquisitions, most notably that of RJR Nabisco in 1988. This aggressive yet effective leadership style characterizes George Roberts’ skills as a businessman. For more than three decades, this financial industry leader has influenced many of his colleagues with the way he carries himself and the firm.
George Roberts reveals that the firm’s culture depends on their reputation; that their word is their bond; and both are paramount to their success. These values upheld by George Roberts are reflected in the way their firm operates as a whole. KKR is responsible for many of the world’s largest and most complex private equity transactions worldwide. A reputation for integrity and fair dealing, the firm relies on this reputation to generate and add to their distinguished record of profitable and successful ventures.
Majority of his colleagues in the financial industry see George Roberts as a model businessman. Throughout his career, he has received accolades reflecting how excellently he works not only in his corporate job but also with activities beyond his business. He received his alma mater Culver Military Academy’s Man of the Year Award and has been consistently included in the Forbes List of Richest Americans, merits that are deservedly his to take. Guiding their protégés, both he and his cousin, Henry Kravis, are building up and ensuring the future of KKR. By being an example to the next generation KKR management, George Roberts will be able to retire knowing that he has maximized every opportunity that has come his way.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Bill Janetschek
William J. Janetschek, better known as Bill, is the Chief Financial Officer of KKR & Co. L.P. (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts), one of the largest investment and merchant banking houses in the United States.
Bill Janetschek received his B.S. in Accounting from the College of Business Administration at St. John’s University, where he graduated cum laude in 1984.
Everyone who knew Janetschek in his early years agreed that he was destined for greatness. Right out of college, Bill set out for the fast-paced world of business and finance onboard the Tax Department at Deloitte and Touche LLP as a Staff Accountant. Shortly after that, he received his M.S. in Taxation from Pace University. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Thirteen years after his introduction at Deloitte and Touche, and after being promoted to Tax Partner, Bill Janetschek left the company to join up with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Company.
Since Bill Janetschek joined KKR, the company has adapted deftly to the current economic condition. It holds over $60 billion in assets, management fees and profits from direct interests, adding to Bill’s already impressive portfolio. Due to its lineup of competent personnel, KKR & Co. L.P. has continually given clients superior returns through solid management, operational excellence, optimal capital structures, and a sound, long-term investment program in any situation regardless of fluctuations in equity markets, lending rates, or lending capacity.
Bill Janetschek was recently awarded the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award of St. John’s University at the 28th Annual Alumni Convocation. He currently serves as a member of the President’s Dinner Committee and participates in the contribution of academic scholarships to exceptional students in the university.
I've recently profiled other KKR alumni, Henry Kravis and Scott Nuttal.
Bill Janetschek received his B.S. in Accounting from the College of Business Administration at St. John’s University, where he graduated cum laude in 1984.
Everyone who knew Janetschek in his early years agreed that he was destined for greatness. Right out of college, Bill set out for the fast-paced world of business and finance onboard the Tax Department at Deloitte and Touche LLP as a Staff Accountant. Shortly after that, he received his M.S. in Taxation from Pace University. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Thirteen years after his introduction at Deloitte and Touche, and after being promoted to Tax Partner, Bill Janetschek left the company to join up with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Company.
Since Bill Janetschek joined KKR, the company has adapted deftly to the current economic condition. It holds over $60 billion in assets, management fees and profits from direct interests, adding to Bill’s already impressive portfolio. Due to its lineup of competent personnel, KKR & Co. L.P. has continually given clients superior returns through solid management, operational excellence, optimal capital structures, and a sound, long-term investment program in any situation regardless of fluctuations in equity markets, lending rates, or lending capacity.
Bill Janetschek was recently awarded the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award of St. John’s University at the 28th Annual Alumni Convocation. He currently serves as a member of the President’s Dinner Committee and participates in the contribution of academic scholarships to exceptional students in the university.
I've recently profiled other KKR alumni, Henry Kravis and Scott Nuttal.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Henry Kravis: LBO Pioneer
(This is the first in my series of profiles of big time private equity investors. I've done a piece on Ken Mehlman already, so I decided to continue with other major figures of KKR. Enjoy!)
Henry Kravis has mastered the art of leverage buyouts and takeovers. With George Roberts and Jerome Kohlberg, Henry Kravis founded KKR, a firm capitalizing on leverage buyouts and reselling companies for profit. Since its foundation, the firm has had more than 30 company buyouts and has invested over $90 billion in these ventures reaping profits for the firm and their investors. In 1987, Jerome Kohlberg retired from the firm and Kravis was left with his other partner, George Roberts. In 1988, the two of them led the takeover of RJR Nabisco for $25 billion dollars, the biggest acquisition of its kind during that time.
Henry Kravis graduated as an economics major at Claremont McKenna College and spent his summers working in Wall Street and companies like Goldman Sachs, where he learned the movements of the financial industry. After he graduated, Henry Kravis worked at Madison Fund where he fine-tuned his skills and knowledge of the financial industry. It was in this job that he learned decision making with regards to buying stocks and companies. He took his Masters degree at Columbia and went back to working for Madison Fund. He then transferred to Bear Sterns where he met Kohlberg and with Roberts, founded their own company in 1976. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Henry Kravis has been a staple in the Forbes list of richest Americans because he has continued to be passionate about his craft. Likewise, he remains one of the pioneers of leveraged buyouts. Alongside JP Morgan, he is considered one of those who significantly changed the financial industry landscape.
Taking over a company and turning it from struggling to profitable is a difficult task. A business venture is not like your normal walk in the park. It takes a lot of work; long and very hard work. It takes risks; risk that the company you obtain have a 50-50 chance of being a bomb. It takes research and carefully calculated moves. It is pressure exemplified. Henry Kravis, without a doubt, is the greatest master of this extremely difficult art.
Check out this great interview of Henry Kravis and George Roberts on YouTube.
Henry Kravis has mastered the art of leverage buyouts and takeovers. With George Roberts and Jerome Kohlberg, Henry Kravis founded KKR, a firm capitalizing on leverage buyouts and reselling companies for profit. Since its foundation, the firm has had more than 30 company buyouts and has invested over $90 billion in these ventures reaping profits for the firm and their investors. In 1987, Jerome Kohlberg retired from the firm and Kravis was left with his other partner, George Roberts. In 1988, the two of them led the takeover of RJR Nabisco for $25 billion dollars, the biggest acquisition of its kind during that time.
Henry Kravis graduated as an economics major at Claremont McKenna College and spent his summers working in Wall Street and companies like Goldman Sachs, where he learned the movements of the financial industry. After he graduated, Henry Kravis worked at Madison Fund where he fine-tuned his skills and knowledge of the financial industry. It was in this job that he learned decision making with regards to buying stocks and companies. He took his Masters degree at Columbia and went back to working for Madison Fund. He then transferred to Bear Sterns where he met Kohlberg and with Roberts, founded their own company in 1976. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Henry Kravis has been a staple in the Forbes list of richest Americans because he has continued to be passionate about his craft. Likewise, he remains one of the pioneers of leveraged buyouts. Alongside JP Morgan, he is considered one of those who significantly changed the financial industry landscape.
Taking over a company and turning it from struggling to profitable is a difficult task. A business venture is not like your normal walk in the park. It takes a lot of work; long and very hard work. It takes risks; risk that the company you obtain have a 50-50 chance of being a bomb. It takes research and carefully calculated moves. It is pressure exemplified. Henry Kravis, without a doubt, is the greatest master of this extremely difficult art.
Check out this great interview of Henry Kravis and George Roberts on YouTube.
Monday, August 17, 2009
KKR’s Ken Mehlman and the EDF: Green Portfolio Project
You don't normally associate tree huggers and green activism with pinstripe suits and private equity financing, but Kohlberg Kravis and Roberts (KKR) is breaking stereotypes with its innovative Green Portfolio Project. KKR, led by the legendary financial wizard Henry Kravis, understands the Environmental Movement is not some momentary fad; recycling, renewable energy, energy efficiency, air pollution and waste reduction are fast becoming the normal way of life rather than an "alternative" way of doing things. Think of it this way...we don't think twice about women having the right to vote, or that the FDA ensures food and drugs are safe. But in their time of their implementation, these normal standards were considered radical and revolutionary. So it will be with Environmentalism. And KKR recognizes this<.a>.
KKR's Green Portfolio Project is a joint effort between KKR, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the companies in KKR's portfolio to adopt environmental best practices. Ken Mehlman, the Head of Global Affairs for KKR, recently announced how KKR is working towards a greener planet. KKR and the EDF have set up a series of environmental measuring tools to The first phase of the Green Portfolio project involved three companies: US Foodservice, Primedia, and Sealy Mattresses. US Foodservice saved $8.2 million in fuel costs and cut 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2008 by simply improving the efficiency of their truck fleet. Primedia, a publishing company, saved $2.9 million by reducing its paper use by 3,000 tons.
Ken Mehlman said these Green Portfolio initiatives were "good examples of how smart companies can cut costs and support the environment."
The Green Portfolio Project is still rolling along. Five more companies have joined the Green Portfolio: Accellent, Biomet, Dollar General, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), and SunGard. (You can click on each company logo to get the details of their environmental initiates).
KKR's push for Green Investment was inaugurated in its surprising takeover of TXU, the Texas Utilities company. Cooperating with the EDF, Henry Kravis made sure TXU adopted several environmental principles, including reducing the number of coal-fired plants that company wanted to build. From that PR success, KKR saw the long-term wisdom of adopting green best practices. That's possibly why they hired on Ken Mehlman, former Republican Party Committee Chairman and an experienced environmental lawyer. You may or may not agree with Ken Mehlman's politics, but his organizational skills and environmental credentials can't be denied. Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, or independent, the future definitely hold stricter environmental standards, and Ken Mehlman will be the voice promoting this new movement in environmentally responsible investment.
So you want to make a surefire investment? I'd bullish on KKR and its Green Portfolio companies...and I bet Mother Nature is, too!
Recommended Reading: Private equity – Easing the barbarians through the gate: An excellent overview of KKR's ethical practices and new attitude towards responsible investing.
Ken Mehlman will be speaking at the Fortune Brainstorm Green 2010 conference.
Check out this video about the Green Portfolio Project entitled "Ken Mehlman of KKR and EDF Members Discuss Partnership"
KKR's Green Portfolio Project is a joint effort between KKR, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the companies in KKR's portfolio to adopt environmental best practices. Ken Mehlman, the Head of Global Affairs for KKR, recently announced how KKR is working towards a greener planet. KKR and the EDF have set up a series of environmental measuring tools to The first phase of the Green Portfolio project involved three companies: US Foodservice, Primedia, and Sealy Mattresses. US Foodservice saved $8.2 million in fuel costs and cut 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2008 by simply improving the efficiency of their truck fleet. Primedia, a publishing company, saved $2.9 million by reducing its paper use by 3,000 tons.
Ken Mehlman said these Green Portfolio initiatives were "good examples of how smart companies can cut costs and support the environment."
The Green Portfolio Project is still rolling along. Five more companies have joined the Green Portfolio: Accellent, Biomet, Dollar General, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), and SunGard. (You can click on each company logo to get the details of their environmental initiates).
KKR's push for Green Investment was inaugurated in its surprising takeover of TXU, the Texas Utilities company. Cooperating with the EDF, Henry Kravis made sure TXU adopted several environmental principles, including reducing the number of coal-fired plants that company wanted to build. From that PR success, KKR saw the long-term wisdom of adopting green best practices. That's possibly why they hired on Ken Mehlman, former Republican Party Committee Chairman and an experienced environmental lawyer. You may or may not agree with Ken Mehlman's politics, but his organizational skills and environmental credentials can't be denied. Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, or independent, the future definitely hold stricter environmental standards, and Ken Mehlman will be the voice promoting this new movement in environmentally responsible investment.
So you want to make a surefire investment? I'd bullish on KKR and its Green Portfolio companies...and I bet Mother Nature is, too!
Recommended Reading: Private equity – Easing the barbarians through the gate: An excellent overview of KKR's ethical practices and new attitude towards responsible investing.
Ken Mehlman will be speaking at the Fortune Brainstorm Green 2010 conference.
Check out this video about the Green Portfolio Project entitled "Ken Mehlman of KKR and EDF Members Discuss Partnership"
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