Early Life and Education
Joseph Yong Bum Bae was born in South Korea in 1973. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child. He attended Phillips Academy and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in economics in 1994.
Rise to Success
Bae's career began at Goldman Sachs before he joined KKR in 1996. He quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming a partner in 2003. He played a crucial role in KKR's expansion in Asia, leading the firm's first investment in China in 2006. In 2021, Bae was named co-chief executive officer of KKR, succeeding the firm's founders, Henry Kravis and George Roberts.
Key Business Strategies
Bae spearheaded KKR's expansion in Asia, building a substantial and successful platform. He has overseen numerous leadership roles within KKR's private markets businesses, leading or serving on all investment committees. He has been instrumental in KKR's strategic initiatives, including its public listing.
Philanthropy
Joseph Bae is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting education and the arts. He is on the board of directors at the Lincoln Center and is a trustee of The Asia Society and Phillips Academy. In 2021, he and his wife, Janice Y. K. Lee, donated $45 million to Harvard's Asian American studies program. He also co-founded The Asian American Foundation.