Harry M. Kraemer

Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr. is an executive partner with Madison Dearborn Partners, a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois, and a Clinical Professor of Leadership at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He teaches in the MBA and Executive MBA programs and was named the 2008 Kellogg School Professor of the Year. Kraemer is the author of three bestselling leadership books: "From Values to Action: The Four Principles of Values-Based Leadership," "Becoming The Best: Build a World-Class Organization Through Values-Based Leadership," and "Your 168: Finding Purpose and Satisfaction in a Values-Based Life."

He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Baxter International Inc., a $12 billion global healthcare company. He joined Baxter in 1982 as director of corporate development, rising to chief executive officer in January 1999 and assuming the additional role of chairman in January 2000. His career at Baxter spanned over two decades, during which he held senior positions including senior vice president and chief financial officer, and was named president in 1997.

Kraemer is highly active in both professional and academic circles. He serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including Leidos Corporation, Dentsply Sirona, and Option Care Health, and on the board of trustees for Northwestern University, The Conference Board, and NorthShore University Healthsystem. He is also a member of the Dean's Global Advisory Board of Kellogg School of Management and delivers talks on leadership, strategy, and values-based decision-making at various venues.

He graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University of Wisconsin in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics, and received an MBA in finance and accounting from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in 1979. Kraemer is a certified public accountant and was honored with the 1996 Schaffner Award from the Kellogg School of Management for outstanding leadership and service. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys jogging, tennis, skiing, and reading about world civilization. Harry, his wife Julie, and their five children reside in Wilmette, Illinois.