Michael B. Kim in

Michael B. Kim

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Advisor at Temasek Philanthropy Asia Alliance
📍 Seoul, South Korea

Michael B. Kim is the founder and Chairman of MBK Partners, North Asia’s largest independent private equity firm. An alumnus of Haverford College and Harvard Business School, he built his career at Goldman Sachs and Carlyle Asia. He is recognized for pioneering a localized, institutional approach to private equity in the region.

Beyond finance, Michael is a dedicated philanthropist with a focus on education and the arts, serving on the boards of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and his alma mater, Haverford College. He is also a national bestselling author, reflecting a lifelong passion for literature and storytelling that began in his youth.

Interesting fact: This private equity leader is the author of the debut novel "Offerings," a financial thriller that draws on his extensive experience in international finance.

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Experience
40 Years
Current Role
Advisor
Job Level
Leadership
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Personality Overview

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Communication Style
Decision Approach
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Priorities

Topics Michael cares about

North Asia Private Equity
He founded and leads the largest independent PE firm in North Asia, focusing on control buyouts in Korea, Japan, and China by leveraging deep local market knowledge.
Ethical Leadership
He donated $25 million to found the Institute for Ethical Inquiry and Leadership at Haverford College, stating that leadership without ethics is a "body without a soul."
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Career

Work history

2024
Advisor
Temasek Philanthropy Asia Alliance
2024
Chair of the Board of Managers
Haverford College
9-2021
Trustee
The New York Public Library
2020 - 2025
Member, Dean’s Advisory Board
Harvard Business School
2019
Member
Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council
In the press

Media appearances

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Education
1988 - 1990
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Harvard Business School
1981 - 1985
Honors Degree
Haverford College
Social presence
in
Behavioral profile

DISC profile (public)

DISC behavioral profile

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