John D. Kuhns
John D. Kuhns | |
|---|---|
| Born | Lake Forest, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Author, artist, developer, private equity investor, investment banker |
| Known for | Infrastructure and alternative energy sectors; founding five public companies; author of novels including China Fortunes |
John D. Kuhns is a multifaceted professional encompassing roles as an author, artist, developer, private equity investor, and investment banker. His business expertise primarily lies within the infrastructure and alternative energy sectors, having founded and successfully taken five enterprises public. Kuhns has spearheaded projects and launched companies across numerous countries including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, England, Honduras, India, Ireland, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Wales. His insights on business and economic trends in China and Southeast Asia have been featured by prominent media platforms such as CNBC, Reuters Insider, Fox Business, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Washington Post, NPR, The Economist, and The Guardian.
Recently, The Washington Post and The World interviewed Kuhns about his firm Numa Numa Resources and its activities in Bougainville. The company collaborates with President Ishmael Toroama of Bougainville’s Autonomous Region to revive the Panguna Mine—once among the globe’s largest copper and gold mining operations. After more than three decades of dormancy, reopening this mine could provide substantial funding for Bougainville’s independence aspirations.
Education
Kuhns was born in Lake Forest, Illinois to parents who were college professors and raised in Takoma Park, Maryland attending public schools there. He earned his A.B. degree in Sociology and Fine Arts from Georgetown University in 1972. During his time at Georgetown, he was a four-year starter and captain of the varsity football team and was inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.
In 1973, Kuhns was awarded a scholarship to pursue fine arts studies at the University of Chicago, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1975. While there, he also worked as a teaching assistant and contributed art critiques to the university's student newspaper. He later obtained an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1977, interning on Salomon Brothers’ bond trading desk during the summer between academic years.
Career
Kuhns launched his investment banking career at Salomon Brothers in New York City in 1977, concentrating on public finance related to electric utility projects. He subsequently co-founded J.J. Lowrey & Co., a firm specializing in bond trading and project finance where he served as general partner alongside individuals who later became presidential candidates.
In 1986, Kuhns purchased Laidlaw, Adams & Peck—one of America’s oldest financial institutions—and rebranded it as Kuhns Brothers & Laidlaw. Under his guidance, this firm financed numerous companies including CalEnergy’s initial public offering—a leading geothermal power company. After 1989, Kuhns directed his efforts toward financing alternative energy initiatives and infrastructure projects both within the U.S. and internationally with a special emphasis on China.
As an entrepreneur, Kuhns has led five companies through public offerings.
In 1981, he founded Catalyst Energy Corporation—among America’s pioneering publicly traded independent power producers. The company went public on the NYSE in 1986 under its ticker symbol and by 1988 had become the largest independent power generator serving utilities nationwide. Catalyst capitalized on regulatory benefits by owning generation facilities while leasing distribution networks. In 1984 Kuhns made history as the first American to travel to China for purchasing hydroelectric equipment. By 1988 Catalyst reported $417 million in revenues with assets totaling $1 billion and was recognized as the fastest-growing public company in the U.S. from 1982 through 1987.
Kuhns has maintained a global focus on renewable energy investments. In 1992 he established The New World Power Corporation—a renewable energy independent power producer developing hydroelectric projects throughout Costa Rica, China, Argentina, Mexico as well as wind farms located in the United Kingdom and United States.
In 2006 Kuhns founded China Hydroelectric Corporation to own and develop hydroelectric assets within China; this company went public on the NYSE in 2010.
He launched the China Hand Fund in 2007 aimed at investing in Chinese enterprises.
In 2012 Kuhns took on the role of executive chairman at NanoFlex Power Corporation (previously Global Photonic Energy), which holds over 600 patents related to advanced solar technologies. NanoFlex completed its initial public offering in 2013.
In 2016 Kuhns created Numa Numa Resources, Inc., focusing on infrastructure development and resource extraction in Bougainville of the South Pacific region. Chosen by local clans and government authorities to lead redevelopment of the Panguna Mine site, Numa Numa engages in gold trading, road construction, mineral exploration, limestone quarry rehabilitation, lime calcination processes, and operates a hydropower-based electric utility system.
Books
Kuhns debuted as a novelist with China Fortunes, published in 2010 by Wiley, which draws heavily on his background in the hydroelectric sector in China. The story follows Jack Davis, an American investor who experiences early triumphs, challenges, and eventual resurgence within China's transforming capitalist environment. Jing Daily commended the book for its vivid depiction of the complexities faced by foreign businesses in China, skillfully blending engaging storytelling with insightful analysis. Terry McDonell, former managing editor at Sports Illustrated, described it as "a clever and polished portrayal of contemporary Chinese commerce," emphasizing Kuhns' narrative talent.
His sophomore novel, Ballad of a Tin Man (2016, Post Hill Press), moves the narrative to South Florida, where Jack Davis becomes entangled with prominent figures from the criminal underworld. Kuhns’ third work, South of the Clouds (2018), explores the jade smuggling trade along the border between Yunnan province and Burma. Kirkus Review characterized it as "a captivating story featuring a compelling protagonist navigating dangerous and illicit realms."
The most recent novel, They Call Me Ishmael (2022, Post Hill Press), offers a powerful political drama centered on Ishmael Toroama, former commander of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army during the civil conflict between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea from 1989 to 2001. Following a 2019 referendum where independence was supported by 98% of voters and Toroama’s election as president in 2020, the book delves into his leadership role in this nascent nation.
Los Angeles-based RainMaker Films has acquired option rights for both Ballad of a Tin Man and South of the Clouds.