KKR names Asia COO head of Australia

KKR has named Scott Bookmyer, chief operating officer (COO) of KKR Asia, as head of KKR Australia, according to a statement from the firm.

He will lead KKR Australia effective July 1 and will remain COO of Asia-Pacific. As a part of the appointment, he will also relocate to Sydney from Hong Kong.

The position has been empty since the former head, Justin Reizes retired almost a year ago, a spokesperson for KKR told pfm. 

Joseph Bae, member and managing partner of KKR Asia said that transferring Bookmyer to Sydney will leverage his experience both globally and in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen the firm’s franchise in a strategically important market, according to the statement.

“[Bookmyer] will provide proven leadership across KKR’s varied and growing investment platforms in Australia, which include private equity, real estate, energy and resources and credit,” he added.

In his current role, Bookmyer oversees core elements of KKR’s business operations and various strategic initiatives.

He joined KKR Asia as COO in 2014, after originally joining KKR Capstone in 2002 supporting operational improvements in North American private equity portfolios. Prior to Capstone, he worked in brand management at Procter & Gamble.