Joel Traut

Joel Traut (New York) joined KKR in 2015 and is a Partner and Global Head of Direct Lending for the Real Estate Credit Business. Mr. Traut is responsible for global strategy, business development, and investment activity across the global real estate credit direct lending business. Mr. Traut sits on KKR’s Global Real Estate Credit Investment Committee. Prior to joining KKR, Mr. Traut spent thirteen years at GE Capital, most recently as a region manager at GE Capital Real Estate, where he led their northeast commercial team. He focused on investing in real estate credit strategies including first mortgage and mezzanine loans. He joined GE in 2002 as part of GE Capital's financial management program and during his tenure worked across multiple GE Capital business segments including: commercial real estate, aviation services, and commercial finance corporate. Mr. Traut graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky and holds a B.B.A. in Finance and Marketing. Mr. Traut serves on the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics’ Finance Advisory Board. Mr. Traut is currently a member of the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties ('NAIOP') where he sits on its Capital Markets Council, and the Urban Land Institute where he sits on its Industrial and Office Park Development Council.