Our culture and values are central to our long-term success.
When our founders started KKR in 1976, leveraged buyouts were a novel form of corporate finance. With no financial services firm to model ourselves after, and little interest in copying an existing formula, we set out to build a firm based on principles and values that would provide a proper institutional foundation for years to come. Today, we believe we have succeeded.
The KKR name is associated with the successful execution of many of the world’s largest and most complex private equity transactions worldwide. We have a focus on operational value creation, a global network of strong business relationships, a reputation for integrity and fair dealing, and a distinguished track record of generating attractive investment returns.
With more than 500 employees, including over 120 as investment professionals, we attribute our success, in large part, to our culture and values. We have created a single, integrated culture that rewards investment discipline, creativity, determination, and patience, and encourages the sharing of information, resources, expertise and best practices across our offices.
We Are One Firm
Working together for a common goal begins within KKR. We believe that much of our success to date is attributable to the unique culture of our firm and the values that we live by: honesty; respect for our colleagues and others with whom we interact; teamwork; excellence, innovation and creativity; shared accountability for both our successes and shortcomings; the fortitude to say no when necessary; and a sharing of financial results and credit throughout our firm.
KKR respects the dignity of all employees. To that end, we will treat our employees fairly, honestly and will provide them with ample opportunity for career advancement. We strive to maintain a secure and healthy workplace and are committed to following all applicable employment laws and regulations.
We are committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment for employees and applicants. This means providing a workplace where integrity is a measure of employee performance and any form of discrimination or harassment is unacceptable. We seek to create a work environment where people feel comfortable and respected, regardless of individual differences, talents or personal characteristics.
KKR’s commitment to inclusion is based on three core principles:
- Provide all its employees with all rights as required by law
- Provide enriching work environment where everyone is allowed to put their talents to the best use for the growth of the firm and their own personal development
- Provide an environment guided by principles such as honesty, trust, respect and open communications at all times
KKR Culture
Our culture is who we are in the world.
KKR is a single team of very bright, honest, energized, thoughtful, self-starters and great people working together all over the world to create the best outcome for KKR and our investors.
We are a team, and teamwork is what makes KKR a great firm. By design it is inclusive where everyone participates in the results.
KKR is a non-bureaucratic, rather flat organization, where people help each other, no matter what the issue is, or where the opportunity resides.
We do what we say, and say what we mean.
No one raises their hand and says, “That’s my idea or my deal.”
If an investment doesn’t work out, we all take responsibility. No finger pointing. The firm is politics free.
The financial results are spread throughout the organization, so everyone participates.
KKR is a caring firm; caring for our people, our portfolio companies, and our various communities. We must focus on all stakeholders.
Disseminating information broadly within our firm makes us more effective and better-informed investors.
We are constantly learning from our mistakes on how to improve as individuals and as a team.
Being a leader, and constantly striving to improve at every level will continue to enhance our reputation. We want to be the best firm in the alternative asset class.
We are constantly striving to create new ideas, new products, and new ways of doing our business. If we don’t act like this we will become marginalized. We always want to remain relevant to and admired by the people with whom we do business.
KKR Values
Adhering to our core values is critical to extending our record of success.
We believe that integrity is the fundamental value upon which all others rest. In practice, this means honesty with our investors, portfolio companies, financial and other service providers, and all the internal and external constituencies with whom we interact. We are proud to partner with the companies we invest in and the individuals who work at those firms.
We believe a collegial culture fostering a positive working environment benefits our firm as a whole. We treat others as we would like to be treated. We believe in the importance of being fair, courteous, and respectful to all.
We operate as a single worldwide team, working together to create the best outcome for our firm, our investors, the managers with whom we partner, and other stakeholders. We seek solutions that benefit the businesses in which we invest, the people they employ, and the constituencies they serve.
We strive to be the best at what we do. We believe that creativity is a competitive advantage and endeavor to put innovative ideas to work to solve problems. We are not afraid to assume prudent risks to achieve an appropriate return.
We believe in the importance of firm-wide accountability. If an investment does not perform, we do not point fingers or assign blame. Rather, we collectively take responsibility, learn from our mistakes, and improve our performance as individuals and as a team.
We believe in having the courage to say "no" to a deal — even at a late stage — if we become uncomfortable with any aspect of the transaction.
We share financial results throughout our firm and we share the credit for our successes. No one in our firm claims sole possession of any idea or successful transaction.
“We build relationships, and know that it takes years to build a solid reputation, but only a few minutes to destroy it. We strive to always be compassionate and thoughtful toward other people.”
Henry R. Kravis
Co-Founding Member, KKR
“Our word is our bond. Our reputation as individuals and as KKR is paramount.”
George R. Roberts
Co-Founding Member, KKR
