BOSTON— Jonathan Kraft, President of The Kraft Group and the New England Patriots, is no stranger to influence—but in 2025, his name is making headlines in new and politically charged ways.
Once known primarily for his role in one of America’s most successful sports and business dynasties, Kraft is now at the center of conversations about Boston’s political future, business innovation, and philanthropic leadership.
Earlier this year, Jonathan Kraft was named the 12th most influential person in Boston by Boston Magazine, cementing his stature beyond the boardroom.
The magazine wrote:“Jonathan has emerged as the true local powerhouse of his famous family—and depending on what happens this coming November, could add ‘mayor’s big brother’ to his résumé should Josh pull off an upset win against Michelle Wu. And just look at how close he’s coming to finally getting a Boston-metro stadium for his New England Revolution. As for the Patriots, Jonathan’s been making most of the decisions since the end of the Belichick era, and fans are sure hoping for an exciting turnaround season this fall.”
The Architect of a Diversified Legacy
Born into the iconic Kraft family, Jonathan joined the family business in 1990, but his path was shaped by rigorous preparation. A Williams College graduate (1986) and Harvard Business School MBA, he began his career at Bain & Company before stepping into the Kraft Group—where he became a central figure in its transformation into a multi-billion-dollar diversified holding company.
As President of The Kraft Group, Jonathan oversees the operational strategies of the family’s businesses, which span sports, manufacturing, real estate development, and private equity. Under his leadership, the company has aggressively expanded its footprint, from building Gillette Stadium to investing in advanced paper and packaging operations and exploring new real estate and development opportunities throughout New England.
While his father, Robert Kraft, brought the Patriots back to glory, Jonathan has been seen as the strategic engine behind the scenes, particularly in the past several years. With the close of the Belichick era, it’s Jonathan who has assumed increasing responsibility for guiding the team through a period of renewal—making key decisions about coaching, operations, and long-term strategy.
At the same time, he’s driving renewed focus on the New England Revolution, the Kraft-owned MLS team. Long stymied in efforts to build a soccer-specific stadium closer to Boston, Jonathan appears closer than ever to making that long-sought dream a reality.
Civic Impact, Health Leadership, and Philanthropy
Kraft’s reach extends far beyond business. He is a deeply engaged civic and philanthropic leader, with a particular focus on healthcare, education, and youth development.
He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the world’s premier medical institutions. He is also a trustee of Partners HealthCare, and has helped steer major strategic planning and fundraising efforts that have elevated Boston’s global reputation for cutting-edge medical care and research.
Education has long been a focus of Kraft’s philanthropy. He sits on the Board of Dean’s Advisors at Harvard Business School, and has been a driving force behind innovation in education at the Belmont Hill School, Dexter Southfield, and Williams College, where he is Trustee Emeritus and a member of the Investments Committee.
He also plays key advisory roles with institutions like the MIT School of Engineering, the Boston Children’s Hospital Stem Cell Advisory Board, and the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative—supporting inclusive leadership and diversity in business and beyond.
A Leader Rooted in Community
Despite his executive responsibilities, Jonathan Kraft remains deeply rooted in the Greater Boston community. A father and longtime resident, he has coached youth athletics for years—Pop Warner football, youth soccer, basketball, and Little League—emphasizing character-building, teamwork, and leadership for the next generation.
In a city that prizes authenticity and civic commitment, Kraft’s mix of strategic vision and community presence continues to resonate. Whether guiding one of the nation’s most valuable sports franchises, championing medical innovation, or advising educational institutions, he has emerged as a transformational figure in Boston’s modern story.
As the city eyes a pivotal mayoral race—where his brother Josh Kraft is mounting a serious challenge to incumbent Michelle Wu—Jonathan Kraft stands poised at a unique inflection point: part business leader, part civic visionary, and potentially, Boston’s “first brother.”
