Robert Kenneth Kraft, born on June 5, 1941, in Brookline, Massachusetts, is an American billionaire businessman renowned for his significant contributions to sports and various industries. He is the chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, a diversified holding company with interests spanning paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate development, and private equity. Since 1994, Kraft has been the principal owner of the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He also founded the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996 and the esports team Boston Uprising in 2017.
Early Life and Education
Robert Kraft was born into a Modern Orthodox Jewish family in Brookline, Massachusetts. His father, Harry Kraft, was a dress manufacturer and a lay leader at Congregation Kehillath Israel, while his mother, Sarah Bryna (Webber) Kraft, hailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Kraft attended the Edward Devotion School and graduated from Brookline High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University, where he was active in various student organizations, and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
Sports Ownership
Kraft’s foray into sports ownership began with the purchase of the New England Patriots in 1994. Since then, the team has achieved remarkable success, securing six Super Bowl championships under his ownership. In 1996, he founded the New England Revolution, contributing to the growth of soccer in the United States. In 2017, recognizing the rising popularity of esports, Kraft established the Boston Uprising, further diversifying his sports portfolio.
Philanthropy
Throughout his career, Kraft has been actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes, including education, healthcare, and community development. He has made significant contributions to institutions such as Columbia University and Harvard Business School, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
Personal Life
Kraft married Myra Hiatt in 1963, and the couple had four sons: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. Myra passed away in 2011 due to ovarian cancer. In 2022, Kraft married Dana Blumberg. He is known for his close relationships with his family and his active involvement in various charitable endeavors.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Kenneth Kraft |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Brookline, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Education | – Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University – Master of Business Administration from Harvard University |
| Parents | – Father: Harry Kraft – Mother: Sarah Bryna (Webber) Kraft |
| Spouse(s) | – Myra Hiatt (m. 1963; d. 2011) – Dana Blumberg (m. 2022) |
| Children | Four: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $11.1 billion as of July 2024 |
Business Career
In 1968, Kraft founded International Forest Products, a company specializing in trading physical paper commodities. This venture laid the foundation for the Kraft Group, which has since expanded into various sectors, including paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate development, and private equity investments. Under Kraft’s leadership, the Kraft Group has become a prominent holding company with diverse assets.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Account |
|---|---|
| @RobertKraft | |
| @robertkraft | |
| Robert Kraft |
Latest News
As of late 2024, Robert Kraft’s bid for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was unsuccessful for the 13th consecutive year. The Hall of Fame’s contributor committee selected Ralph Hay, co-founder of the NFL, over Kraft. Despite his significant contributions to the NFL and the New England Patriots’ success, Kraft’s induction remains pending.
Height and Physical Appearance
Robert Kraft stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. He has maintained a distinguished appearance, often seen in tailored suits, reflecting his professional demeanor. His silver hair and affable smile have become recognizable traits throughout his public life.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of July 2024, Robert Kraft’s net worth was estimated at $11.1 billion, according to Forbes. This substantial wealth is attributed to his diverse business ventures, particularly his ownership of the New England Patriots and the success of the Kraft Group’s various enterprises.
Robert Kraft’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a prominent figure in sports and business exemplifies his strategic vision and dedication. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the industries he has touched, and his legacy continues to influence future generations.
FAQs
- How many kids did Robert Kraft have?
Robert Kraft has four children: Jonathan, Daniel, Joshua, and David. - How did the Kraft family make their money?
The Kraft family built their wealth through paper and packaging industries, primarily via International Forest Products, and later expanded into sports, real estate, and private equity through The Kraft Group. - What does Robert Kraft’s family own?
The Kraft family owns The Kraft Group, which includes the New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS), Boston Uprising (esports), and Gillette Stadium, along with interests in paper manufacturing, real estate, and private equity investments. - What is the age difference between Robert Kraft and his wife?
Robert Kraft (born in 1941) and his wife Dana Blumberg (born in 1974) have an age difference of 33 years.
Robert Kraft’s remarkable journey in business and sports ownership shares similarities with other influential figures. For instance, Amy Schumer, a renowned comedian and actress, has carved her own path in the entertainment industry. To learn more about her life and career, visit Amy Schumer’s biography. Additionally, in the realm of groundbreaking achievements, Sunita Williams, a celebrated astronaut, has made history with her contributions to space exploration. You can read more about her inspiring journey at Sunita Williams’ biography.
