Kenny Park
Kenny Park | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1950s South Korea |
| Other names | Park Eun-kwan |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, business executive |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of Simone Accessory |
Kenny Park, also referred to as Park Eun-kwan, is a prominent South Korean entrepreneur who founded and currently leads Simone Accessory, a top-tier manufacturer specializing in handbags and accessories. In 2020, Forbes valued his net worth at approximately $610 million.
Early life
Park completed his studies in German language and literature at Yonsei University in 1978.
Career
Park’s career in handbag production commenced in 1987 when he began crafting products for Donna Karan. Today, Simone Accessory serves as a key supplier for renowned brands such as Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach New York, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, DVF, Alexander Wang, Phillip Lim, Proenza Schouler, Versus Versace, and AllSaints. The company manufactures an estimated 30 million handbags and leather goods every year. In 2012, Park established the Simone Handbag Museum. The following year, he introduced his own label, 0914.
In 2015, the Blackstone Group invested $300 million to acquire a 30% share of Simone. The company further expanded its portfolio in 2016 by purchasing GST AutoLeather Inc., recognized as the largest global producer of leather car seats.
Park retains a majority ownership of 62% in Simone. He reached billionaire status in March 2018. That same year, he contributed $5 million to Concordia College’s Language Villages project aimed at creating an authentic Korean cultural village in Minnesota.
In addition to manufacturing, Simone manages financial services, including private equity through Simone Investment and various real estate development funds.
Personal life
Park lives in Seoul with his spouse and their two children.