Early Life
Joseph Yong Bum Bae was born in South Korea in 1973. His family moved to the United States when he was young. He attended Phillips Academy and later graduated from Harvard University with a degree in economics in 1994. Bae's early life and education laid the foundation for his future success in finance and investment.
Rise to Success
Bae began his career at Goldman Sachs before joining KKR in 1996. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a partner in 2003. His career highlights include leading KKR's expansion into Asia, establishing a significant presence in key markets. He was appointed Co-CEO of KKR in October 2021, succeeding the founders. Bae's leadership has been crucial to KKR's growth and global influence.
Key Business Strategies
A key business strategy for Joseph Bae has been focusing on KKR's expansion in Asia. He has overseen the firm's investment in various sectors, including energy and infrastructure. His leadership emphasizes aligning KKR's investment strategies with global trends, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of the industry.
Philanthropy
Beyond his corporate achievements, Joseph Bae is committed to philanthropy. He co-founded The Asian American Foundation. He and his wife, Janice Lee, have donated $20 million to Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences to support financial aid and the humanities, and $45 million to Harvard's Asian American studies program. Bae serves on Harvard University's Global Advisory Council and is a Fellow of the Harvard Corporation.