Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft is an American businessman, sports executive, and philanthropist best known as the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of the Kraft Group.
Robert Kraft is an American businessman, sports executive, and philanthropist best known as the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of the Kraft Group. He has owned the New England Patriots since 1994 and also owns the New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium. He is widely recognized for building one of the most successful ownership portfolios in North American professional sports.
Early life and education
Robert Kraft was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and attended public school before studying at Columbia University on an academic scholarship. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Business career
Kraft began his career in packaging and forest products and later built the Kraft Group into a broad holding company. The company includes businesses in paper and packaging, international forest products, real estate, and private equity.
Sports ownership
Kraft purchased the New England Patriots in 1994 and later expanded his sports holdings to include the New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium. Under his ownership, the Patriots became one of the NFL's most successful franchises.
Philanthropy and civic work
Kraft and his foundations have supported a range of charitable causes, including education, health care, community programs, and Jewish and Israeli initiatives. He has also been involved in efforts focused on combatting antisemitism.
Key facts
- Robert Kraft is the founder, chairman, and CEO of the Kraft Group, a diversified holding company.
- He purchased the New England Patriots in 1994 and also owns the New England Revolution and Gillette Stadium.
- Kraft founded the Boston Uprising esports team in 2017; the team disbanded in January 2024.
- He is known for significant philanthropic activity, including support for education, health care, and antisemitism prevention.
- As of July 2024, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$11.1 billion.
Robert Kraft is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through the New England Patriots' broader North American sports profile and the Kraft Group's ownership in major professional sports leagues that have strong Canadian audiences, including MLS and the NFL.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Robert Kraft?
What teams does Robert Kraft own?
When did Robert Kraft buy the Patriots?
What is the Kraft Group?
Where was Robert Kraft born?
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References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Robert-KraftSupports: Birth date, birthplace, role as entrepreneur and sports executive, and founding of the Kraft Group.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_KraftSupports: Full name, ownership of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, and founding of Boston Uprising.
- Bloomberg — https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/robert-k-kraft/Supports: Ownership of the Patriots, Gillette Stadium, and other Kraft Group holdings.
- New England Patriots — https://www.patriots.com/team/front-office-roster/robert-kraftSupports: Kraft Group leadership role and business holdings including the Patriots, Revolution, and Gillette Stadium.
- REFORM Alliance — https://reformalliance.com/meet-reform/robert-kraft/Supports: Philanthropy, business leadership, Patriots ownership since 1994, and civic work.
- Genesis Prize — https://www.genesisprize.org/honorees/laureate-2019/biographySupports: Biographical details and charitable work.
- The Kraft Group — https://www.thekraftgroup.com/robert-kraft/Supports: Education, early business career, founding of International Forest Products, and philanthropic activities.
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences — https://www.amacad.org/person/robert-k-kraftSupports: Kraft Group leadership and major holdings including the Patriots, Revolution, and Gillette Stadium.