Attorney, Business Leader & Political Strategist; Former RNC Chairman; Global Head of Public Affairs at KKR

New York, NY, USA
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Ken Mehlman Biography

Ken Mehlman is an attorney, businessman, and political strategist with extensive experience in American politics and government. Mehlman served as the 62nd chairman of the Republican National Committee, campaign manager for President George W. Bush's re-election campaign, and White House political director. He also held the role of national field director for the Bush-Cheney campaign, collaborating with leadership across all 50 states. The American Association of Political Consultants recognized Mehlman as Campaign Manager of the Year.

As chairman of the Republican National Committee, Mehlman focused on expanding the appeal of the GOP, particularly among non-white voters, and implemented new technologies to mobilize and persuade voters. Author Michael Barone compared Mehlman's approach to that of Walmart founder Sam Walton, noting their innovative strategies in identifying new constituents.

Following his political career, Mehlman worked at the law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld before joining Kohlberg Kravis Roberts as global head of public affairs. He is a member and global head of public affairs and co-head of KKR Global Impact, where he identifies investment opportunities and works to improve portfolio companies by engaging stakeholders and leveraging trends in geopolitics, public policy, and ESG. Mehlman led KKR's responsible investment initiatives, including a partnership with Environmental Defense Fund involving more than 58 portfolio companies, the hiring of more than 62,500 veterans, and a wellness collaboration with the American Heart Association benefiting 250,000 employees.

After coming out as gay in an interview in The Atlantic, Mehlman advocated for marriage equality, organizing a group of 131 Republicans to sign a legal brief and helping to raise nearly $3 million for marriage equality campaigns in several states. Out Magazine included Mehlman on its Out 100 list of influential LGBTQ figures.

Mehlman launched the Slingshot Project, which partners with organizations to empower individuals who have overcome adversity. He serves as chairman of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Policy Advisory Board and as a trustee of Mt. Sinai Hospital of New York, Franklin & Marshall College, Teach for America, and Sponsors of Educational Opportunity. Mehlman is co-chairman of the American Enterprise Institute National Council and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

BOOK Ken Mehlman

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/13/2026.

Ken Mehlman Videos

Ken Mehlman: Marriage Equality And Religious Conservatives on ...

Ken Mehlman: Marriage Equality And Religious Conservatives on ...

Ken explains how marriage equality is no thread to social and religious conservatives. Ken Mehlman is a businessman, attorney, and political figure...

Ken Mehlman: Why Work on Marriage Equality? - YouTube

Ken Mehlman: Why Work on Marriage Equality? - YouTube

Ken Mehlman is the Head of Global Public Affairs at KKR and the founder of Project Right side, a nonprofit organization working to get more...

Private Equity & The Focus On Operational Expertise - Ken ...

Private Equity & The Focus On Operational Expertise - Ken ...

SuperReturn U.S. - http://www.informaglobalevents.com/ytsrusvep * The notion of private equity using more and more operational expertise to generate...

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Ken Mehlman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ken Mehlman for your event is available upon request. Ken Mehlman generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Joseph Stiglitz, Richard Florida, Raj Patel, John Legend and Ambassador Dennis Ross. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ken Mehlman for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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