Henry Kravis Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Henry Kravis is a billionaire private-equity pioneer credited with transforming corporate buyouts and co-founding one of the world’s largest investment firms.

Introduction

Henry R. Kravis, born on January 6, 1944, is a titan of finance who co-founded KKR & Co. (formerly Kohlberg Kravis Roberts). Known for pioneering leveraged buyouts and reshaping private equity, Kravis’s estimated net worth ranks him among the wealthiest individuals globally. Married to Canadian economist Marie-Josée Kravis, his personal life blends high finance, philanthropy, and a global real-estate footprint.

Quick Facts

From Tulsa Roots to Wall Street Power

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Henry R. Kravis was raised in a family grounded in oil and civic engagement: his father worked in oil and gas consulting, while his mother was active in community and cultural organizations. 

He studied economics at Claremont McKenna College, graduating with a BA, then earned his MBA from Columbia Business School in 1969. 

After school, Kravis began his finance career on Wall Street at Bear Stearns — where he teamed with his cousin George R. Roberts under mentor Jerome Kohlberg Jr.. Together, they honed a revolutionary strategy: identifying undervalued companies, financing buyouts with borrowed capital, restructuring, and eventually reselling them for profit. 

Defining moments in Henry Kravis’s journey include:

• Recognizing the potential of leveraged buyouts during his early years at Bear Stearns.

• In 1976, co-founding KKR — a firm that would go on to reshape global private equity. 

• Executing the landmark acquisition of RJR Nabisco, a deal that became emblematic of 1980s corporate takeovers. 

That early ambition and boldness transformed a young finance associate into one of the most influential dealmakers in history.

The Core Pillars of Henry Kravis’s Wealth

The wealth of Henry Kravis stems from a blend of business acumen, early risk-taking, and long-term strategic investments:

• Equity Ownership in KKR: As co-founder, Kravis owns a significant stake in KKR, which today manages hundreds of billions in assets globally. 

• Profits from Leveraged Buyouts and Exit Deals: KKR’s acquisition and eventual sale of companies — notably the RJR Nabisco takeover — generated massive returns through capital gains. 

• Direct Investments and Assets: Beyond shareholding, Kravis benefits from diversified investments and an array of real estate and other holdings. 

Relationships & Personal Life

Henry Kravis’s personal life has spanned multiple marriages and a deep partnership with his current spouse:

• His first marriage was to Helene Diane “Hedi” Shulman; they had three children: Harrison, Robert, and Kimberly. The marriage ended in divorce. Sadly, their son Harrison died in a car accident in 1991. 

• He married designer Carolyne Roehm in 1985. The pair became emblematic of New York’s social and fashion elite — but the marriage ended in divorce in 1993. 

• Since the mid-1990s, Kravis has been married to Marie-Josée Kravis, a Canadian economist and philanthropist with prominent roles in arts and charitable institutions. 

Key insights into Henry Kravis’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriages reflect different eras: early family life, a period of social prominence, and a long-term partnership grounded in shared intellectual and philanthropic interests.

• With Marie-Josée, Kravis shares a commitment to philanthropy, education, arts, and social causes — a partnership that extends far beyond finance.

• Their combined influence spans multiple continents, cultures, and charitable endeavors.

Beyond Business: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Henry Kravis leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Real estate footprint: Residences in New York City, seasonal homes in Palm Beach, Florida, and additional properties in Southampton (New York), Paris (France), and Sharon, Connecticut. 

• Art collection & cultural engagement: Together with his wife Marie-Josée, Kravis supports major cultural institutions, serving on the board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and backing arts philanthropy. 

• Philanthropy in education & social mobility: Through initiatives like the Kravis Leadership Institute and substantial donations to schools and scholarships, the couple invests in future generations.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

The evaluation of Henry Kravis’s net worth relies on public filings, shareholdings, and estimates from major financial media. According to recent disclosures, his wealth is anchored chiefly in his long-term stake in KKR and its global portfolio.

*Because much of Kravis's wealth is tied up in shares of a publicly traded firm whose stock value fluctuates, any estimate is inherently imprecise.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Henry Kravis occupies a unique place in global finance — respected by peers, scrutinized by critics, and influential in philanthropy.

• As a co-founder of KKR, he helped pioneer the use of leveraged buyouts, fundamentally altering how companies are financed, acquired, and managed worldwide. This legacy is inscribed in the history of modern corporate finance. 

• Through philanthropy and cultural patronage, he balances elite wealth with support for education, arts, and social mobility — giving his wealth a broader societal reach.

• His personal story — from a Tulsa upbringing to global influence — serves as a narrative of ambition, risk, and transformation. Many view him as a symbol of opportunity plus responsibility.

Conclusion

Henry Kravis’s journey — from his early days in Tulsa to the helm of one of the world’s most powerful investment firms — exemplifies ambition harnessed by strategic thinking. His estimated net worth of several billion dollars reflects decades of deal-making, equity growth, and prudent investments. His birthdate (January 6, 1944) and birthday (January 6) mark the start of a life that transformed global finance. Through his marriage to Marie-Josée Kravis, his philanthropic commitments, and his art and real-estate investments, Kravis demonstrates that influence can extend beyond boardrooms — into education, culture, and society. His story is a reminder that with vision and discipline, it's possible to shape entire industries while leaving a lasting legacy.