Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. has been Chairman of the board and CEO of the Kohler Co., headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin since 1972.  One of the oldest and largest in the United States, this privately held global company focuses on living environments with a mission “to improve the level of gracious living for all persons who experience its products and services.” Over the last 36 years, the Company has grown at an average compound rate in book value of 10.9% per year compared to the S&P 500 of 7.0% per year.  It has become a world leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, upscale interiors, small engines and large power systems, hospitality and golf.

During his years with the Company, Mr. Kohler has received over 200 design and utility patents for plumbing products.  In 2002, he was named National Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing.

In 1981 Herb converted a dormitory originally built for immigrants across the street from an iron foundry into a five-diamond resort hotel which in turn led to a fourth business group and two of the world’s highest rated golf resorts ---- in Kohler, Wisconsin and St. Andrews Scotland.  Over a 22 year period, from 1998 through 2020, the company will host 7 Majors --- a U.S. Senior Open, the U.S. Women’s Open twice, the PGA Championship three times and a Ryder Cup --- all on its courses in Wisconsin.  Its Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews is the host hotel for the Dunhill Championship every year and the British Open every fifth year.

Mr. Kohler also chairs the Board of Trustees of Choate Rosemary Hall, a leader in secondary education, which concludes this year a $200 million capital campaign.