Billionaire Profile
Herald Chen
Global Rank
#3025

Image: Huangdan2060 | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Herald Chen

CEO, Marketing software
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.098B
Estimated based on Marketing software stock value as of March 6, 2026
+2.76% (24h)
Age
55
Source
Marketing software, mobile games
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Herald Chen is a prominent figure in the technology and finance sectors, with a current estimated net worth of $1.4 billion. His wealth stems primarily from his involvement in marketing software and mobile games, particularly through his previous role as President and CFO of AppLovin. Chen's career includes significant achievements in private equity and a substantial tenure at KKR, where he headed the Technology, Media, and Telecom division. He currently serves as an advisor to AppLovin's CEO and remains on the company's board. Chen's strategic insights have been instrumental in navigating AppLovin through a successful public offering, and his experience spans various leadership roles in the financial sector. Chen is a resident of Hillsborough, California, is married, and has three children.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Born in the United States, Herald Chen's early life and educational background laid the foundation for his successful career. He graduated with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and later earned an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Rise to Success

Chen's career took off in the financial sector. He gained experience at Goldman Sachs before moving to KKR, where he spent over a decade leading the Technology, Media, and Telecom division. He demonstrated a strong rapport with C-suite members and company boards, which led to invitations to sit on different company boards.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy for Chen has been investing in and helping CEOs, leveraging his understanding of businesses. This approach led him to AppLovin, where he served as President and CFO. During his time at AppLovin, he helped the company prepare for its 2021 IPO. In January 2024, he transitioned to an advisory role at AppLovin. Chen's ability to identify and support strong leadership teams has been a consistent element in his successful career.

Philanthropy

Information on Chen's specific philanthropic activities is limited in the search results.

Career Milestones

1995

Joined KKR

Began his career at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) in 1995.

2007-2019

Head of KKR's Technology, Media and Telecom Division

Led KKR's technology, media, and telecom division.

2019-2023

President and CFO of AppLovin

Served as the President and CFO of AppLovin.

2024

Advisor to AppLovin CEO

Transitioned to an advisory role to the CEO of AppLovin while remaining on the board.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

Unknown

Undisclosed

Philanthropic details were not found.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I had figured out that I wanted to be building businesses, but I also knew that I wasn't the smartest or brightest or most charismatic person in the room, so maybe the best way for me wasn't actually sitting in the CEO seat but instead was investing in and sitting on boards and helping CEOs.”"

Leadership Principles

Good Listener

Chen attributes his success in part to being a good listener, particularly when working with CEOs and CFOs.

Building Businesses

Chen focuses on investing in and helping to build businesses, rather than solely leading as a CEO.