Herbert Kohler Jr.
Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 20, 1939 |
| Died | September 3, 2022 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, executive chairman |
| Known for | Executive chairman of Kohler Company |
Herbert Vollrath Kohler Jr. (February 20, 1939 – September 3, 2022) was an American billionaire entrepreneur who served as the executive chairman of the Kohler Company, a Wisconsin-based enterprise specializing in manufacturing and hospitality. Under his guidance, the firm, well-known for its plumbing fixtures, broadened its scope to include golf course development and resort management. Prior to his passing, Forbes valued the Kohler family's fortune at approximately US$8.8 billion.
Early life and education
Herbert Jr. was born to Ruth DeYoung Kohler and Herbert Vollrath Kohler Sr., the latter having led the Kohler Company from 1937 until 1968. His family heritage featured previous company leaders such as Walter J. Kohler Sr. and Walter J. Kohler Jr.. After completing his secondary education at The Choate School in 1957—where he later served as board chairman from 2005 to 2010—he obtained a degree in Industrial Administration from Yale University in 1965 before entering the family business. At just 33 years old, he assumed the roles of chairman and CEO of Kohler Company in June 1972.
Business career
During his youth, Kohler gained experience by working within various departments of Kohler Co., a company primarily producing plumbing products. He graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree in industrial administration in 1965 and subsequently committed to full-time work at the family firm, ascending to CEO by 1972.
His accomplishments earned him induction into several prestigious halls of fame: the National Kitchen and Bath Hall of Fame in 1989, the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993, and the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2006. Additionally, he was honored with the "Legend in Leadership Award" from Yale School of Management’s Chief Executive Leadership Institute. By 2021, his personal net worth was estimated at $9.8 billion.
In April 2015, Kohler relinquished his CEO position to his son, David Kohler, while continuing to serve as executive chairman of the company.
Golf
A passionate golfer, Kohler broadened his company's ventures to encompass ownership and management of golf courses. The Kohler Company oversees four golf courses in Wisconsin, all designed by Pete Dye. The first course debuted at Blackwolf Run in 1988, followed by a second course in 1990, which served as the venue for the 1998 U.S. Women's Open. In 1998, Kohler expanded with two additional courses at Whistling Straits, which have hosted prestigious events including the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015; the U.S. Senior Open in 2007; and the Ryder Cup in 2021.
In 2009, Kohler purchased Hamilton Hall—now known as the Hamilton Grand—a high-end apartment complex situated near St Andrews' Old Course. He was also the proprietor of the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
Kohler Environmental Center
The Kohler Environmental Center (KEC) at Choate Rosemary Hall was established in 2012 through a $20 million gift from Herbert Kohler. This 32,000-square-foot facility incorporates eco-friendly features such as solar energy systems, composting operations, and a greenhouse heated by recycled cooking oil. Set on a 266-acre property comprising forest and wetlands, the center facilitates environmental education initiatives.
Personal life
Kohler married Linda Karger in 1961; their marriage ended in divorce during the early 1980s. They had three children together. Their daughter Rachel is married to Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian. In 1985, Linda wed Roger Anderson, who formerly served as chairman and CEO of Continental Illinois.
Kohler made a cameo appearance in the film Open Range, directed by his close friend Kevin Costner.
His second spouse, Natalie Black—a Stanford alumna who joined Kohler Co. as legal counsel in 1985—advanced to senior vice president and currently heads the Kohler Foundation.
Additionally, Kohler owned a Morgan horse breeding operation and was recognized for possessing Noble Flaire, a champion Morgan horse, from 1984 until 2006.
He died on September 3, 2022, in Kohler, Wisconsin, at the age of 83.
See also
- Mount Kohler, named in honor of Kohler and his sister, Ruth DeYoung Kohler II, located in Antarctica