J
onathan Kraft, President of The Kraft Group and the New England Patriots, is making headlines in new ways. Once known for his role in one of America's most successful sports and business dynasties, he's now at the center of conversations about Boston's future.
Kraft was named the 12th most influential person in Boston by Boston Magazine earlier this year. The magazine noted that he could become "mayor's big brother" if his brother Josh wins the mayoral election. Kraft is also close to securing a Boston-metro stadium for the New England Revolution, and fans are hoping for an exciting turnaround season with the Patriots.
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, investing in advanced paper and packaging operations and exploring new real estate opportunities throughout New England.
Kraft has been instrumental in guiding the Patriots through a period of renewal since the end of the Belichick era. He's also driving renewed focus on the New England Revolution, with efforts to build a soccer-specific stadium closer to Boston gaining momentum.
Beyond business, Kraft is a deeply engaged civic and philanthropic leader. He serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Massachusetts General Hospital and has helped steer major strategic planning and fundraising efforts that have elevated Boston's global reputation for medical care and research.
Kraft's philanthropy also focuses on education, with roles on the Boards of Dean's Advisors at Harvard Business School and the Belmont Hill School. He supports inclusive leadership and diversity through his advisory work with institutions like MIT and the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative.
A father and longtime resident, Kraft remains deeply rooted in the Greater Boston community. He coaches youth athletics, emphasizing character-building, teamwork, and leadership for the next generation. As the city eyes a pivotal mayoral race, Jonathan Kraft stands poised at a unique inflection point: part business leader, part civic visionary, and potentially, Boston's "first brother."
