Public Policy & Affairs Principal

TEAM OVERVIEW

KKR’s Public Policy & Affairs (PPA) function is responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s global public policy, regulatory, and external engagement strategy. The team includes regional policy teams across the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific. PPA plays a critical role in protecting and enhancing KKR’s “license to operate” by:

• Anticipating regulatory and geopolitical developments
• Advising investment teams on policy-related risks and opportunities
• Supporting portfolio companies in navigating complex stakeholder environments
• Engaging with governments, regulators, and industry bodies

The team operates at the intersection of investing, policy, and reputation directly contributing to investment outcomes and long-term value creation.

POSITION SUMMARY

KKR is seeking an Principal to join its EMEA Public Policy & Affairs team, based in London and working directly with  the Head of EMEA Public Policy & Affairs.

This opportunity is for a public policy and affairs professional who combines strategic judgement with strong execution capabilities. Working closely with the Head of EMEA Public Policy & Affairs, you will play a key role in translating the firm’s strategic priorities into concrete action and ensuring that political and regulatory insights inform investment decisions and portfolio company strategies. The role requires someone who can operate independently, manage complex and competing priorities, coordinate effectively across investment teams and internal stakeholders, and drive initiatives from analysis through execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and assess legislative, regulatory and geopolitical developments across EMEA, identifying emerging risks and opportunities for KKR and its portfolio companies.
• Develop a forward-looking perspective on policy and geopolitical trends, translating complex developments into actionable insights for investment teams and senior leadership.
• Partner with investment teams to integrate policy and geopolitical considerations into investment theses, due diligence and decision-making, including assessments of regulatory, political, reputational and stakeholder risks.
• Lead the preparation and coordination of senior executive and C-suite engagements, including high-quality briefings, strategic messaging and follow-up.
• Support portfolio companies on regulatory positioning, government relations and market-specific policy challenges.
• Develop and execute targeted stakeholder engagement strategies across priority EMEA markets, including through relevant industry associations and trade bodies.
• Support initiatives that reinforce KKR's reputation as a provider of trusted, long-term capital.
• Contribute to EMEA Public Policy & Affairs thought leadership, internal strategic initiatives and fundraising activities.
• Over time, take ownership of key EMEA Public Policy & Affairs workstreams, driving priorities from strategic analysis through to execution.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least six years of relevant experience in public policy, government affairs, consulting, financial services or a related field.
• Strong understanding of EMEA political, regulatory and geopolitical dynamics, ideally with experience across multiple jurisdictions and firsthand exposure to policymaking processes.
• Experience working in a global organisation, with familiarity with both European and US policy environments.
• Sound commercial judgement and an understanding of how political and regulatory developments affect investment decisions, portfolio performance and business strategy.
• Ability to anticipate emerging policy risks and opportunities, connect complex developments to commercial priorities and formulate actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex workstreams, balance competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise and decision-oriented insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level briefings and strategic materials.
• Credibility, judgement and confidence to work effectively with senior leadership, investment professionals and external stakeholders.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to navigate a global, matrixed organisation.
• Proactive, intellectually curious and comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, with a hands-on approach to execution.

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