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Jonathan Kraft
Jonathan Kraft
from Wikipedia

Jonathan Ashford Kraft (born March 4, 1964) is an American businessman. He is president of The Kraft Group, the holding company of the Kraft family's business interests. He is also the president of the New England Patriots and investor-operator of the New England Revolution.[1][2]

Key Information

Early life and education

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Kraft was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, to a Jewish family, one of four children of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his late wife Myra Kraft.[1][2] Robert Kraft is worth an estimated $4.8 billion, according to Forbes and ranked as 108th richest person in 2015.[3] Kraft attended the Belmont Hill School for high school. In 1986, Kraft graduated from Williams College with a bachelor's degree in history. He served on Williams' board of trustees from 2003 until 2015.[4] After working as a consultant at Bain & Company for two years, Kraft earned his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1990.[5]

Professional career

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New England Patriots

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In 1994, Kraft helped his family create a plan to purchase the New England Patriots.[6] Since his family's purchase of the team,[7] Kraft has held the titles of vice president,[8] vice chairman[9] and president.[10]

Role with the NFL

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Within the National Football League, Kraft has served on multiple committees, including the Digital Media and Business Ventures committees.[11] In March 2006, when the National Football League Players Association and the NFL were deadlocked in contract negotiations, Kraft helped design a revenue sharing plan that was used for that version of the collective bargaining agreement.[12]

New England Revolution

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Kraft (left) speaks with his father at a 2018 New England Revolution game

In 1995, Major League Soccer was started. One of the inaugural teams in the league was the Revolution. Kraft has been the co-owner/investor of the Revolution, along with his father, since its inception.[13] In 2002, the Revolution played in their first final against the Galaxy in the MLS Cup in front of a record crowd of more than 61,000.[14] The final was held at Gillette Stadium, previously named CMGI Field, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.[14] The match had a record crowd and the Revolution lost.[15] They made four more MLS Cup appearances in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014.[16]

Other soccer involvements

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Kraft was also an owner/investor of the San Jose Earthquakes from 1999 to 2000 when the Kraft Group owned the team.[17] He has been attempting to build a Boston area soccer specific stadium unsuccessfully since 2006.[17]

Massachusetts General Hospital

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Kraft has served on the board of trustees of Massachusetts General Hospital since 2010 and was named chair in 2019 after the departure of Cathy Minehan.[18]

COVID-19 pandemic

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The Patriots' team airplane delivering N95 masks supplies in April 2020

In March 2020, Kraft and his father offered the use of the Patriots team airplane to Massachusetts to deliver more than a million N95 masks from Shenzhen, China for use by medical professionals to help mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Some of the supplies landed in Boston on April 2, 2020, after several weeks of preparation.[19]

Personal life

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In 1995, Kraft married Patricia Lipoma in a Jewish ceremony at the Chestnut Hill home of his parents.[20][21] She is a convert to Judaism.[21] He has three children, two sons and a daughter.[6][20]

Awards and honors

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In 2023, Boston magazine ranked Kraft and his brothers Daniel and Josh at number 11 on its annual list of the "most influential Bostonians", grouping these three Kraft brothers as a single entity.[22] The following year, the magazine individually recognized on the list at #10 (with his brother Josh being recognized at #68).[23] In 2025, he was ranked #12 (with Josh ranked at #37).[24]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jonathan Ashford Kraft (born March 4, 1964) is an American businessman serving as president of The , the family's private that encompasses operations in sports and entertainment, and , , and . In this role, he oversees the day-to-day activities of the group's companies while directing strategies for growth, diversification, and long-term development across its portfolio. A graduate of in 1986 and , where he earned an MBA, Kraft began his career at before joining the family business in 1990. Kraft holds significant leadership positions within the group's sports entities, including as president of the , where he has guided operational and strategic initiatives since the team's acquisition in 1994, contributing to its rebranding, fan base expansion, and global outreach efforts such as establishing home markets in , , , and . He spearheaded the financing, construction, and ongoing enhancements of , including a $325 million private funding model and over $550 million in improvements like the north end renovation. Additionally, as part of the Kraft Group's sports division, Kraft has been instrumental in since its inception, serving as the sole continuous member of the MLS Board of Governors since 1995 and chairing key committees on business ventures and finance; under his oversight, the has achieved notable successes, including the 2021 , the 2007 , and the 2008 North American SuperLiga. Beyond business, Kraft is actively involved in philanthropy and civic leadership, chairing the board of and the Stem Cell Advisory Board at , while serving as a trustee for , , and Dexter Southfield, among other organizations. He also contributes to educational initiatives as a member of the MIT School of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Council, the Board of Dean’s Advisors, and the Williams College Investments Committee, where he holds trustee emeritus status.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Jonathan Kraft was born on March 4, 1964, in . He is the eldest son of , a prominent businessman and philanthropist, and Myra Hiatt Kraft, a dedicated philanthropist who passed away in 2011. Kraft grew up as the oldest of four brothers in a close-knit Jewish family, alongside siblings , , and Daniel. The family resided in the area, where and Myra instilled in their children a strong emphasis on , , and community involvement from an early age. Drawing from their own upbringings, the Krafts taught their sons the value of giving back, supporting initiatives in , health, and Jewish community programs, which became central to family life. During his childhood, Kraft received early exposure to discussions. This immersion, combined with the family's growing ventures in various industries, was influenced by his father's entrepreneurial pursuits in the region.

Academic background

Jonathan Kraft attended in , where he majored in history and earned a degree in 1986. His time at Williams was shaped by the institution's rigorous liberal arts curriculum, which emphasized and broad intellectual development, aligning with the Kraft family's longstanding commitment to higher education. Following his undergraduate graduation, Kraft pursued advanced business training at , completing a in 1990. This educational path reflected the family's emphasis on preparing for leadership roles in business, influenced by his father Robert K. Kraft's own MBA from the same institution in 1965, which underscored the value of strategic acumen in family enterprises.

Professional career

Early professional roles

After graduating from in 1986 with a in , Jonathan Kraft began his professional career as a consultant at , a global firm. During his two years at Bain, Kraft worked on various client projects, developing foundational expertise in business strategy and operational improvements, core areas of the firm's practice. In 1988, following his tenure at Bain, Kraft enrolled at to pursue an MBA, which he completed in 1990. Upon graduation, he decided to join his father's company, , transitioning from external consulting to roles within the family-owned enterprise.

Leadership at The Kraft Group

Following his graduation with an MBA from in 1990, Jonathan Kraft joined The Kraft Group, the family's diversified holding company founded by his father, . He was appointed President in July 1995, taking on executive oversight of the organization's operations. As President, Kraft manages the day-to-day activities across The Kraft Group's portfolio, which spans multiple sectors including sports and entertainment, , , and and venture investments. His role emphasizes to foster growth and diversification, with the group employing over 9,500 people and one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Under Kraft's leadership, has expanded its investments beyond its core paper and packaging operations—where it ranks as one of the top five U.S. companies by volume, trading over four million tons annually—into developments exceeding $1 billion in value and focused on , healthcare, and life sciences. These efforts have included targeted allocations to early-stage companies, enhancing the group's financial resilience and capacity while maintaining a commitment to , such as recycling 1.5 million tons of materials each year. Additionally, since September 2023, he has served on the of , Inc., which comprises UFC and .

Involvement with the New England Patriots

Jonathan Kraft joined the organization in 1994 following his family's acquisition of the team, initially serving as from 1994 to 1999, vice chairman from 2000 to 2005, and president since 2005. In his role as president, he oversees the and of all departments within the organization and represents the team in league matters. Kraft has played a key role in managing the Patriots' business operations, including the development of , which opened in 2002 as a privately financed $325 million facility through a creative financing strategy he spearheaded. He has driven innovations in marketing and fan engagement, such as launching the team's 24-hour station and televising all preseason games, making the Patriots the first team to do so, while also utilizing data analytics through the Kraft Analytics Group to track fan behavior and enhance experiences like ticket purchases and merchandise sales. Additionally, as a member of the NFL's Fan Engagement and Major Events Committee, he has contributed to broader league initiatives on audience expansion. Under Kraft's leadership, the Patriots have achieved six victories in the seasons of 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018, supported by the organization's stable structure and hands-off approach to football operations that he helped maintain alongside his father, owner . He has also handled critical aspects of team finances, including contract negotiations such as the extension for in 2015, and ensured compliance with regulations through his oversight of league representations.

Engagement with Major League Soccer

Jonathan Kraft has served as a co-owner and operational leader of the , one of 's (MLS) inaugural franchises, since the club's founding in 1996. As president of , which holds the investment-operating rights alongside his father , Jonathan oversees the team's day-to-day management, including its participation in league activities and facility operations at . Under his leadership, the Revolution has achieved notable successes, such as five final appearances, the 2007 title, the 2008 North American SuperLiga championship, and the 2021 with a league-high 73 points. Kraft's early involvement in MLS extended to a brief investment in the from 1999 to 2000, when The assumed operational control of the league-owned team. During this period, the Earthquakes set a club record with 19 wins and 47 points in 1999, reaching the Western Conference semifinals, and rebranded to the Earthquakes name in 2000 while finishing 7-17-8. This stint highlighted Kraft's hands-on approach to stabilizing MLS franchises during the league's challenging early years. Kraft played a pivotal role in MLS's formative development, contributing to the drafting of its original operating agreement and serving as the sole continuous member of the MLS Board of Governors since 1995. He has chaired the Business Ventures Committee, co-chaired the Advisory Finance Committee, and participated in the Media, Labor, and Expansion Committees, influencing the league's growth strategies and single-entity . Notably, as head of the MLS Expansion Committee in , Kraft led the review of applications for new franchises, helping guide the league's expansion to markets like and . In managing the Revolution's operations at , Kraft has overseen hosting major events, including the 1996 and 2002 MLS Cups, with the latter drawing a record 66,000 attendees. He has also driven youth development initiatives, including the establishment of the Revolution Academy and the 2019 opening of a $35 million training facility to support academy players and first-team operations. These efforts align with his broader commitment to youth athletics, fostering talent pipelines for MLS.

Healthcare leadership roles

Jonathan Kraft joined the Board of Trustees of (MGH) in 2010, bringing his executive experience from the to support the institution's mission in patient care, research, and education. As a , he initially focused on financial and infrastructural matters, serving as chair of the hospital's and Real Estate Committee, which positioned him to guide budgeting decisions and property development initiatives. His involvement extended to the broader Partners HealthCare system (now ), where he sat on the and its Committee, contributing to system-wide . In September 2019, Kraft was appointed chair of the MGH Board of Trustees, effective October 1, succeeding Cathy Minehan after her decade-long tenure. In this leadership role, he assumed strategic oversight of hospital operations, including the prioritization of research funding and facility expansions to enhance clinical capabilities and innovation. Under his chairmanship, the board has directed investments toward advancing MGH's research enterprise, one of the largest in the biomedical field, while supporting infrastructural projects to accommodate growing patient needs and technological advancements. Kraft's tenure has notably influenced the integration of family into MGH's healthcare policy and patient care improvements, leveraging the Kraft family's longstanding commitments to the institution. As co-chair of The Campaign for Mass General—a $3 billion effort—he has facilitated major gifts, such as the 2022 $50 million from the Kraft Family Foundation, which established endowed positions in to address health disparities and inform equitable care policies. This philanthropic alignment has directly supported initiatives enhancing patient access and outcomes, including programs that bridge policy gaps in underserved populations.

Philanthropy and civic engagement

Work with Massachusetts General Hospital

Jonathan Kraft has been instrumental in advancing at (MGH) through family-endowed initiatives honoring his late mother, , who succumbed to in 2011. In 2015, the MGH Cancer Center endowed the Jonathan Kraft Prize for Excellence in in his honor, an annual award recognizing groundbreaking contributions to , such as epigenetic mechanisms in cancer by inaugural recipient C. David Allis. This prize, which supports patient services and innovative therapies, reflects the Kraft family's commitment to perpetuating Myra's legacy of combating cancer, building on their broader philanthropic support for that improves outcomes for underserved patients. Beyond cancer-specific efforts, Kraft advocates for healthcare equity and within Boston's medical ecosystem, emphasizing accessible, high-quality care amid disparities. As co-chair of MGH's $3 billion Campaign for General, launched in 2021 and concluded in 2024, he has championed initiatives integrating technology and community-focused strategies to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic barriers. His leadership has amplified MGH's role in pioneering treatments, such as expanded care, underscoring a vision where bridges gaps in preventive and specialized services. Post his 2019 appointment as MGH Board of Trustees , Kraft has deepened collaborations on programs and fundraising, including the 2022 $50 million family gift from the Robert and Family Foundation—the largest ever for equity at MGH. This endowment established the Robert K. Kraft Endowed in , funding programs like the Comprehensive Treatment Center, which grew from serving 20 to over 200 patients annually through targeted outreach and innovative therapies. These efforts align with Kraft's long-term vision for MGH as a national leader in equitable healthcare advancements, fostering partnerships that sustain research, education, and patient-centered care for future generations.

COVID-19 response efforts

In April 2020, amid acute shortages of (PPE) during the early stages of the , Jonathan Kraft, as president of the and the , coordinated the use of the team's aircraft to transport 1.2 million N95 and KN95 masks from , , to . This effort, initiated after Governor contacted Kraft to inquire about the plane's availability, involved navigating complex international logistics, including restrictions on air travel and coordination with contacts in to secure the shipment. The masks arrived at on April 2, 2020, providing critical protection for frontline healthcare workers at a time when domestic supplies were severely limited. The shipment was facilitated through a partnership with the Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the state's Command Center, with the masks distributed to healthcare facilities across the Commonwealth, including (MGH), where Kraft serves as chairman of the board of trustees. The Kraft family contributed $2 million toward the purchase, covering approximately half the cost of the masks, which were prioritized for hospitals facing dire shortages—such as nurses single-use masks due to . This delivery not only bolstered local response capabilities but also underscored the need for involvement when federal supplies lagged. Kraft played a key role in broader fundraising and resource allocation for pandemic relief in , contributing to the Kraft family's overall $16 million commitment to initiatives over the following year. This included supporting the conversion of into a major testing and vaccination site, as well as efforts to distribute resources to vulnerable communities in the region. His leadership in these logistics and financial contributions helped highlight national challenges in the PPE , emphasizing the vulnerabilities in and the importance of rapid, innovative private-public collaborations to address them.

Other community initiatives

Jonathan Kraft has been actively involved in supporting Jewish community organizations in Massachusetts, particularly through his participation in initiatives led by Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of . In 2018, he joined his father and brother Dan for the grand opening of the Kraft Family Building, a renovated headquarters for CJP funded in part by a $10 million family donation that covered approximately half the project's cost. This facility enhances CJP's capacity for community programs, including educational and social services for Jewish families across the region. In the realm of education, Kraft has contributed to foundations and institutions in Massachusetts by endowing key leadership positions. He and his wife Patti established the Patti and Jonathan Kraft Family Dean of Messina College at Boston College in 2025, supporting innovative undergraduate education and mentorship for first-year students. This endowment reflects a commitment to accessible higher education, aligning with broader family efforts to advance learning opportunities in the state. Additionally, through family philanthropy, Kraft supports youth development programs that include educational outreach, though his direct involvement emphasizes strategic funding for institutional growth. Kraft engages in Boston-area economic development by overseeing investments that spur regional growth, such as the Kraft Group's expansions in and . In 2025, he announced plans for further development around the proposed soccer stadium in , building on over $100 million already invested in the site and adjacent properties to create jobs and revitalize the local economy. His role in these projects promotes sustainable while fostering community partnerships. Complementing this, Kraft participates in youth mentorship programs indirectly through support for sports initiatives; he is actively involved in coaching and organizing youth soccer, basketball, and in the area, providing guidance to young athletes and emphasizing discipline and teamwork. Kraft's contributions extend to arts and cultural institutions, where he and Patti have endowed the Patti and Jonathan Kraft Chief of Learning and position at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), , since at least 2023. This role drives inclusive programming, such as community workshops and accessibility initiatives, making the MFA a more equitable cultural hub for diverse audiences. These efforts continue the Kraft family's longstanding philanthropic traditions in supporting 's creative sector. Furthermore, Kraft serves on regional business councils that advocate for ethical practices and economic vitality in . As a member of the and the Chamber of Commerce, he contributes to discussions on policy, corporate responsibility, and sustainable business growth, helping shape strategies that benefit the local workforce and environment.

Personal life

Marriage and immediate family

Jonathan Kraft married Patricia Lipoma in 1995 in a Jewish ceremony held at his parents' home in . The couple met while working at . Lipoma, who converted to prior to the wedding, graduated from in 1987 with a degree in economics and managerial studies. Kraft and have three children: sons Harry and , and daughter Sadie. The family raised their children in the area, prioritizing privacy and limiting public disclosures about their personal lives. As of 2025, the children are adults who maintain a low public profile. Harry, the eldest, pursued football as a , reflecting a family interest in the sport. continued this tradition by playing football at , where he was a . Sadie attended The Rivers School. The Krafts share a commitment to family values centered on and , which they instilled in their children as part of the broader Kraft family legacy of giving back. Public details about Lipoma's professional background or the couple's joint endeavors remain limited.

Residence and personal interests

Jonathan Kraft resides in the Greater Boston area, specifically in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, a neighborhood known for its affluent suburbs and proximity to Brookline, where he was born and raised. His family home in Chestnut Hill reflects the area's blend of historic charm and modern luxury, situated near notable landmarks like Pine Manor College and The Country Club. This location allows him to maintain close ties to the Brookline community, where much of the Kraft family has long-standing roots. Beyond his professional commitments, Kraft pursued personal interests centered on and engagement, particularly through youth athletics. He was actively involved as a coach for local teams, including football, youth soccer, basketball, and , emphasizing his passion for fostering athletic development in young people. These activities highlight his support for local sports beyond business affiliations, such as attending games and promoting team-building experiences. Kraft also maintained involvement in Jewish cultural activities, drawing from his family's heritage, including participating in traditional ceremonies and discussions on how Jewish values shape personal and communal life. His approach to work-life balance involved prioritizing family-oriented hobbies amid demanding schedules, often integrating coaching roles with time spent with his wife and three children in their Chestnut Hill home.

Awards and honors

Sports achievements

Jonathan Kraft has played a pivotal role in the ' success as the team's president since 2005, following earlier positions as vice president (1994–1999) and vice chairman (2000–2005), contributing to all six of the franchise's victories during the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018 seasons. In this capacity, he has overseen the management and strategic planning across all organizational departments, enabling the team's sustained excellence on the field. Kraft's behind-the-scenes contributions have included facilitating major facility upgrades to support team performance, such as securing approval for the construction of , which opened in 2002 and has served as the Patriots' home venue, fostering an environment conducive to championship-caliber preparation. More recently, under his leadership, construction began on a state-of-the-art training facility in 2024, with completion expected in spring 2026, featuring expanded weight rooms, capabilities, and dedicated spaces for player development, adjacent to to enhance staff and athlete resources. He has also managed key personnel decisions and operational aspects, ensuring alignment between front-office strategies and on-field execution during the dynasty eras. Within NFL circles, Kraft has earned recognition for his , notably sharing the 2002 Sports Business Daily "Sports Industrialists of the Year" award with his father, , honoring their leadership in the Patriots' inaugural triumph and broader franchise advancements. This accolade underscored the Kraft Group's innovative business practices that have positioned the Patriots as a model of sustained success and in the league. In , as overseer of the since the team's founding in 1996, Kraft has guided the club to notable milestones, including five final appearances in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014, along with playoff runs that highlighted consistent competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. The Revolution achieved further success under his stewardship by winning the 2007 U.S. Open Cup and the 2008 North American SuperLiga, and capturing the 2021 with 73 points, an MLS record at the time, in the regular season. Stadiums developed under the Kraft Group's direction in Foxborough have hosted key events like the inaugural in 1996 at and the 2002 final at before a record crowd of over 61,000, amplifying the franchise's impact on league-wide growth.

Business and community recognitions

In 2025, Jonathan Kraft was ranked #12 on Boston Magazine's list of the most influential people in , recognizing his leadership as president of and the , including oversight of significant infrastructure improvements and employment generation. Kraft has received notable recognition within the for his contributions to ventures and innovations. In 2002, he and his father, , were named Sports Industrialists of the Year by Sports Business Daily for their transformative impact on the Patriots' operations, including stadium development and revenue strategies that set new benchmarks for NFL franchises. Additionally, Kraft's service as co-chair of the NFL's and as a member of the underscores his influence in advancing league-wide digital strategies and commercial partnerships. For his philanthropic efforts, Kraft earned the Warner Award in 2006 from , the highest honor bestowed by the organization on business and NFL executives, in acknowledgment of his longstanding commitment to youth football, academics, and programs. Kraft's leadership during the drew formal commendations from state officials. In April 2020, Governor publicly thanked Kraft for coordinating the use of the Patriots' team plane to transport over one million N95 masks from to frontline healthcare workers in , describing the effort as making an "enormous difference" in the state's response.

References

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