The publication of the memoir Leben oder gelebt werden in 2011 brought Walter Kohl significant public attention as he detailed his perspective on his family history. Born in 1963 in Ludwigshafen, Germany, he has pursued a multifaceted professional trajectory as an entrepreneur, financial analyst, economist, historian, and author, operating within the complex intersection of global markets and domestic politics.
Academic Background
Walter Kohl completed his secondary education at the Carl-Bosch-Gymnasium before pursuing higher studies abroad. He attended Harvard University from 1985 until 1989, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in economics and history. Following his undergraduate tenure, he relocated to Austria to obtain a master's degree in economics from the University of Vienna in 1990. His formal business education concluded in 1993 upon receiving an MBA from INSEAD in France.
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Upon completing his education, Kohl entered the financial sector, holding a position as a financial analyst at the New York City office of Morgan Stanley. His expertise focused on capital markets as well as the oil and gas industry. Returning to Germany in 1994, he transitioned into independent business ventures. In 1999, he established a consulting firm alongside his father, Helmut Kohl, a partnership that remained active until 2005. That same year, he founded a new enterprise, Kohl & Hwang, in cooperation with his second wife, Kyung-Sook Kohl.
Authorship and Political Engagement
Kohl is the author of several books focusing on personal reflection and political themes. Following the success of his 2011 bestseller, he released Leben was du fühlst in 2013, followed by a collaboration with Anselm Grün titled Was uns wirklich trägt in 2014. In 2019, he officially joined the Christian Democratic Union of Germany. He later published his first explicitly political work in February 2020, titled Welche Zukunft wollen wir? Mein Plädoyer für eine Politik von Morgen.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Education: Harvard University, University of Vienna, INSEAD
- Former occupation: Financial analyst at Morgan Stanley
- Spouse: Kyung-Sook Kohl
- Political affiliation: Christian Democratic Union of Germany
- Published books: 4
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Walter Kohl study at Harvard?
He majored in economics and history during his time at the university from 1985 to 1989.
When did he join the Christian Democratic Union?
He officially joined the party in 2019.
Achievements
- Educated at Harvard University and University of Vienna
