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Ken Mehlman

Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs & Co-Head of KKR Global Impact ǀ KKR

Headshot of Ken Mehlman

Ken Mehlman is a social entrepreneur, with experience driving change via business, public policy, politics & the social sector.   

He is a Partner & Co-Head of Global Impact at KKR. Since joining KKR in 2008, Ken has architected KKR’s responsible investment efforts that seek to create shared value for KKR investors and other stakeholders. He has also worked to identify investment opportunities by leveraging geopolitical, public policy & sustainability trends.

KKR’s Global Impact strategy invests behind businesses that promote commercial solutions to global challenges associated with climate action/energy transition, sustainable living, lifelong learning & inclusive growth.

Mr. Mehlman spent a dozen years in national politics and government service, including as 62nd Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Campaign Manager of President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, the only Republican presidential campaign in 34 years to win the popular vote. Mr. Mehlman also served in high level positions in Congress and the White House.

Mr. Mehlman, who currently lives in New York City, graduated with a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College and holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Mr. Mehlman’s philanthropic focus is opportunity, mobility & equality. He is a trustee of Mt. Sinai Hospital of New York, Teach For America, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Franklin & Marshall College and Sponsors of Educational Opportunity (SEO). Mr. Mehlman is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.