Billionaire Profile
Joseph Bae
Global Rank
#1513

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Joseph Bae

CEO, KKR & Co. Inc.
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.5B
As of December 2025
Age
53
Source
Private equity
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
US

Biography

Joseph Bae is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of KKR, a leading global investment firm. With a net worth of approximately $2.5 billion, Bae's wealth stems from his career in private equity. He has been instrumental in KKR's expansion, particularly in Asia. His career includes pivotal roles at Goldman Sachs and KKR since 1996. Bae is known for his strategic vision, leadership in the financial industry, and commitment to philanthropy.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

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.

Career Milestones

1996

Joined KKR

Bae joined KKR after a brief stint at Goldman Sachs.

2003

Became Partner at KKR

Rose through the ranks to become a partner at KKR.

2017

Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of KKR

Appointed as co-president and co-chief operating officer alongside Scott Nuttall.

2021

Co-CEO of KKR

Named co-CEO of KKR, succeeding the founders.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Support

The Asian American Foundation

Undisclosed

Co-founded to advance the interests of the Asian American community.

Education

Harvard University Donations

$20M

Donation to support financial aid and the humanities.

Education

Harvard's Asian American studies program

$45M

Donation to support Asian American studies program.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"We are fortunate to have learned from and been mentored and inspired by two of the world's most innovative investors of all time."

Leadership Principles

Strategic Vision

Focus on long-term value creation, innovation, and sustainable investing practices.

Global Expansion

Leading KKR's expansion into Asia, establishing a significant presence in key markets.