KKR Names Kathryn King Sudol as New General Counsel While David Sorkin Advances to Chief Legal Officer Role

KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR) has revealed a significant leadership transition within its legal department, effective September 6, 2022. Kathryn King Sudol will assume the position of General Counsel, taking over from David Sorkin, who has held the role since 2007. Sorkin will transition to Chief Legal Officer, with the final shift occurring at the end of Q1 2023, when Ms. Sudol will formally assume the Chief Legal Officer title while Sorkin becomes an Advisory Partner.

Who Is Kathryn King Sudol?

Prior to joining KKR, Kathryn King Sudol was the Global Co-Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, one of the world’s most prestigious law firms. Throughout her 24-year tenure at the firm, she built a reputation as one of the world’s most respected corporate and M&A lawyers. Her experience spans complex, high-profile transactions across diverse industries for both corporate and private equity clients.

Sudol held multiple leadership positions at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, including a long-standing seat on the firm’s Executive Committee and oversight of the Asia M&A practice from 2010 to 2018. Her deep expertise in private equity work made her a natural fit for KKR’s needs.

A Strategic Addition to KKR’s Leadership

Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, Co-Chief Executive Officers of KKR, expressed their confidence in the appointment: “Kathryn King Sudol has collaborated extensively with KKR and our senior leadership across the U.S. and global markets for many years. Her standing as a preeminent legal mind and dynamic leader aligns perfectly with our organizational culture. We view her appointment as a strategic partnership that will support our long-term growth ambitions.”

David Sorkin’s Lasting Impact

The two CEOs also highlighted Sorkin’s substantial contributions over his 15 years as General Counsel. During his tenure, Sorkin guided KKR through its transformation into a publicly-traded company, oversaw expansion into new business lines and geographic regions, and established robust legal, compliance, internal audit, and enterprise risk management functions that serve the firm globally. Rather than departing, Sorkin will continue his partnership with KKR in an advisory capacity, reflecting the firm’s recognition of his ongoing value to the organization.

The transition underscores KKR’s continued evolution as a global investment powerhouse offering alternative asset management, capital markets solutions, and insurance products through its Global Atlantic Financial Group subsidiary.