KKR Taps Former AWS CEO Adam Selipsky to Lead AI and Digital Infrastructure Strategy

KKR Taps Adam Selipsky to Lead AI and Technology Strategy

KKR, a top global investment firm, has appointed Adam Selipsky, the former CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS), as Senior Technology and AI Strategy Advisor. Selipsky will help steer KKR’s $179 billion Real Assets platform as the firm focuses on digital infrastructure tailored for the AI era.

Selipsky brings over two decades of leadership in cloud and enterprise technology. At AWS, he played a key role in growing the platform into the largest cloud business worldwide. He also guided Tableau Software as CEO through its $15.7 billion acquisition by Salesforce and its shift to the cloud.

Driving AI-Ready Infrastructure

In his new role, Selipsky will provide strategic advice on capital deployment and governance, concentrating on the intersection of computing power, data centers, fiber networks, and energy resources essential for scaling AI globally. He will collaborate closely with KKR’s portfolio company CEOs to boost growth and create value across the platform.

Waldemar Szlezak, KKR’s Partner and Global Head of Digital Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of AI’s impact on internet infrastructure. He noted that AI is generating unprecedented demand for compute and energy, driving KKR to unify its data center, energy, and digital infrastructure investments for hyperscalers and AI developers.

Selipsky commented on the appointment, saying, “KKR has taken a forward-looking approach by integrating power, data centers, and connectivity to meet the needs of hyperscalers and AI developers. I look forward to working with the team to build on this foundation and position KKR as a leader in AI infrastructure investment.”

KKR’s Expanding Digital Infrastructure Portfolio

KKR has committed around $42 billion in equity across 23 digital infrastructure investments, alongside more than $20 billion in power and renewables. Their portfolio includes:

• Five data center platforms in the U.S., Asia-Pacific, and Europe/Middle East/Africa, with over 155 facilities and a 15GW development pipeline
• Twelve fiber platforms covering nearly 30 million homes
• More than 130,000 wireless infrastructure sites across Europe and APAC

Recent highlights include the recapitalization of Metronet, a leading U.S. fiber-to-the-home operator; investment in Gulf Data Hub, a premier Middle Eastern data center platform; and launching a multi-billion-dollar co-located power and data center development in Texas, in partnership with CyrusOne and Calpine.

About Adam Selipsky

Adam Selipsky served as CEO of Amazon Web Services, helping grow the platform to a $100 billion business. He also led AWS marketing, sales, and support during his earlier tenure. Beyond AWS, Selipsky was CEO of Tableau Software, overseeing its acquisition by Salesforce and cloud transition.

His background includes senior roles at RealNetworks and Mercer Management Consulting. He holds an AB in Government and an MBA from Harvard University. Selipsky serves on the board of Circle Internet and advises Harvard Business School. Additionally, he has contributed to the US Government AI Safety and Security Board and FIFA’s Seattle World Cup 2026 board.

About KKR

KKR is a global investment firm offering alternative asset management and capital markets solutions. The firm focuses on long-term investment returns through disciplined approaches and supports growth in portfolio companies and communities. KKR manages funds across private equity, credit, and real assets, and has strategic partnerships in hedge funds. Its insurance subsidiaries provide retirement, life, and reinsurance products via Global Atlantic Financial Group.

For leaders seeking insights on AI-driven infrastructure investments and strategy, KKR’s move highlights the growing importance of integrating compute, connectivity, and energy assets. Exploring relevant AI education and training can further support strategic decision-making in this space.

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