Ryan Stork, who served as Chief Operating Officer at KKR & Co. Inc. since 2012, has stepped down from his role effective January 1, 2026. The move marks a significant leadership transition at the global alternative investment firm.
- Ryan Stork served as KKR’s COO from 2012 to January 1, 2026.
- KKR’s AUM grew from $120B in 2012 to $1.7T by end of 2025.
- Firm reported $2.3B in net income for fiscal year 2025, a 17% increase.
- Stork’s role was succeeded temporarily by CFO Laura Haden.
- KKR’s stock (KKR) rose 12% year-to-date in 2026.
- Upcoming $25B fundraise focuses on climate infrastructure.
Ryan Stork has officially exited his position as Chief Operating Officer at KKR & Co. Inc., a role he held for over 14 years. His departure, confirmed by the firm on January 9, 2026, signals a pivotal moment in KKR’s leadership structure as it continues to expand its global infrastructure and asset management capabilities. Stork played a central role in overseeing KKR’s operations across private equity, real assets, and credit divisions, contributing to the firm’s assets under management growing from approximately $120 billion in 2012 to $1.7 trillion by the end of 2025. The transition comes amid a broader strategic shift at KKR, which reported a 17% increase in net income during its fiscal year 2025, reaching $2.3 billion. Stork’s responsibilities included technology integration, risk management, and operational efficiency—areas that have become increasingly critical as KKR expanded its footprint in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. His departure follows the retirement of several senior executives and reflects a planned succession process. KKR has not yet named a successor but confirmed that the COO duties will be temporarily assumed by the firm’s Chief Financial Officer, Laura Haden, who has been elevated to a senior leadership role. The firm’s board emphasized continuity, noting that Stork’s contributions were instrumental in scaling KKR’s operational backbone during a period of rapid growth. The leadership change is expected to impact internal governance, particularly in strategic planning and execution across KKR’s $380 billion private equity portfolio. Investors and industry observers are monitoring the transition closely, as KKR’s stock (ticker: KKR) has risen 12% year-to-date in 2026, supported by strong performance in credit and infrastructure investments. The shift in leadership may influence investor confidence, especially given the firm’s upcoming $25 billion fundraise targeting climate-focused infrastructure projects.