Rob Lewin Steps Into KKR's Top Finance Role as Bill Janetschek Moves to Retirement

KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR) has unveiled plans for a significant leadership transition in its finance division, with Robert H. Lewin set to assume the position of Chief Financial Officer beginning January 1, 2020. This succession marks the conclusion of William J. Janetschek’s 20-year tenure in the role, with his departure scheduled for the close of 2019.

A Three-Decade Legacy in Finance

Janetschek’s career arc at KKR spans more than 30 years, during which he fundamentally reshaped the firm’s financial infrastructure. According to KKR’s Co-CEOs Henry Kravis and George Roberts, Janetschek evolved the finance function from a lean advisory operation into a sophisticated, institutional-grade financial powerhouse capable of managing the firm’s complex, multi-asset-class operations. His extended commitment to KKR’s growth represents a foundational pillar of the firm’s institutional development during a critical period of expansion.

Lewin’s Ascent Through KKR’s Ranks

Rob Lewin’s trajectory within KKR demonstrates a methodical career progression across the firm’s most strategically important divisions. Since joining in 2004, he has navigated roles spanning private equity investment management, Asian market development, credit and capital markets operations, and treasury functions. Most recently, his work as Head of Human Capital & Strategic Talent positioned him to understand KKR’s organizational structure from a human capital perspective—a vantage point seen as invaluable for the CFO role.

Prior to KKR, Lewin worked at Bear Stearns & Company, bringing institutional investment banking experience to his background. His educational credentials include a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Leadership’s Confidence in the Transition

KKR’s Co-Presidents and Co-Chief Operating Officers, Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, underscored that Lewin represents a continuity candidate whose 16 years at the firm have embedded him deeply within KKR’s culture and strategic decision-making processes. They emphasized his roles in advancing several of the firm’s major initiatives and his consistent demonstration of trusted judgment during periods of significant organizational change.

About KKR

KKR operates as a global alternative investment manager overseeing multiple asset classes including private equity, infrastructure, energy, real estate, credit, and hedge funds through strategic partners. The firm combines patient capital deployment, disciplinary investment methodology, and portfolio company value-creation strategies to generate returns for institutional investors, while simultaneously co-investing alongside fund capital and providing structured financing through its capital markets division.