Robert Kraft
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Early Life and Education
Robert Kraft was born on June 5, 1941, in Brookline, Massachusetts, into a Conservative Jewish family. His mother, Sarah Bryna, was originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, while his father worked as a dress manufacturer in Boston’s Chinatown. Kraft was raised with a strong emphasis on religious values and education, which limited his involvement in organized sports during his youth. He attended Edward Devotion School and later graduated from Brookline High School in 1959, where he served as senior class president.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 5 Jun, 1941
- Age
- 78 yrs
- Occupations
- Financier
Chief executive officer
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- Citizenship
- United States of America
- Birth Place
- Brookline
- Education
- Harvard Business School
Harvard University
Columbia University - Gender
- Male
- Description
- American businessman and philanthropist
- Spouse
- Myra Kraft[1963-2011]
- Net Worth 2021
- 6.9 billion
People Mentioned in This Biography
He continued his education at Columbia University, where he joined the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Despite his earlier limitations in youth sports, Kraft played running back and safety for Columbia's football team, demonstrating both leadership and athletic prowess. By age 27, he had become chairman of the Newton Democratic City Committee, reflecting his early interest in civic engagement.
Business Career and the Kraft Group
Robert Kraft’s business career has been marked by notable success and diversification. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Kraft Group, a privately held holding company with investments in several sectors, including paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate development, and private equity. The Kraft Group has grown under his leadership into a significant player in both domestic and international markets.
Ownership of the New England Patriots
Kraft is perhaps most widely recognized as the owner of the New England Patriots, a franchise in the National Football League (NFL). Under his ownership, the team has experienced unprecedented success, securing multiple Super Bowl victories and establishing itself as one of the most successful franchises in league history. Kraft’s stewardship has been credited with revitalizing the team’s operations and fan engagement, especially following the construction of Gillette Stadium and the sustained on-field success involving head coach Bill Belichick and former quarterback Tom Brady.
Personal Life and Family
Robert Kraft met his future wife, Myra Hiatt, in 1962. The couple married in 1963 and had four sons: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. Myra Kraft was heavily involved in philanthropic efforts until her passing in 2011, a commitment that Robert continues to uphold through various charitable initiatives. The Kraft family remains actively involved in both business and philanthropic endeavors, particularly in supporting healthcare, education, and community development projects.
