Early Life and Education
Scott B. Kapnick, born in 1959, is an American financier and investor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Williams College and a combined Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago. He also studied at the London School of Economics & Political Science. Kapnick's father was Arthur Andersen CEO Harvey Kapnick.
Rise to Success
Kapnick's career began at Goldman Sachs, where he spent 21 years. He became a Management Committee Member, Partner, and Co-Head of Global Investment Banking, and later Co-Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs International. He played a key role in launching the firm's business in Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 2007, Kapnick founded HPS Investment Partners, which has grown into one of the largest alternative credit managers globally. In 2025, BlackRock acquired HPS, highlighting Kapnick's success in building the firm.
Key Business Strategies
Kapnick's business strategy has focused on identifying opportunities in the private credit market, lending directly to businesses, and building supply chain resilience. HPS Investment Partners specializes in non-investment grade credit. His approach involves capitalizing on market realignments and providing capital for companies to adapt.
Philanthropy
Kapnick is actively involved in philanthropy. He and his wife, Kathleen, have made significant contributions to the Naples Botanical Garden, donating $10 million in 2006 and additional funds later. The Kapnick family also supports Northwestern University. In 2016, the Kapnick Foundation gave a $5 million gift to establish The Kapnick Center for Business Institutions at Northwestern's Weinberg College. Scott Kapnick also serves on the board of Room to Read.
