Joseph A. Grundfest

Overview
Joseph A. Grundfest has built a remarkable career that bridges the spheres of academia, corporate governance, and public service. He resides in Palo Alto, California, where he serves as the William A. Franke Professor of Law and Business and a Senior Faculty member at the Rock Center on Corporate Governance at Stanford Law School.

Education
Grundfest's educational journey began at Stuyvesant High School, one of the most prestigious public high schools in the United States. Following high school, he attended Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from 1969 to 1973. His academic pursuits took him across the Atlantic to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he enrolled in a Master's program in Mathematical Economics and Econometrics. Although he did not complete the degree, this experience furthered his grounding in economic theory. He subsequently returned to the U.S. to attend Stanford Law School, where he achieved his Juris Doctor (JD) and pursued a PhD in Economics (ABD - All But Dissertation).

Career in Public Service
Grundfest's career trajectory has been varied and influential. From January 1984 to January 1985, he worked at the Executive Office of the President, The White House, on the Council of Economic Advisers as a Senior Counsel and Senior Economist. His career in public service continued as he served as a Commissioner for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Washington, D.C. from January 1985 to January 1990. In this role, he contributed to the regulation and oversight of the U.S. securities markets, shaping policies that have had a lasting impact.

Academic Career
In addition to his public service, Grundfest has an extensive academic career. He has been a Professor at Stanford Law School since February 1990, where he educates future leaders in law and business. His expertise has earned him respect and recognition in academic circles.

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Grundfest also co-founded Financial Engines in January 1996, a company aimed at providing investment advice, where he served as a Director until January 2018. This entrepreneurial venture reflects his commitment to applying economic principles in practical ways to benefit consumers.

Corporate Governance
Since January 2010, he has been a Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at KKR & Co. Inc., an American global investment firm. His role involves overseeing financial reporting and disclosures, ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial statements for stakeholders.

Conclusion
Overall, Joseph A. Grundfest’s career is marked by a blend of academic achievements, public service, and corporate governance. His contributions to law, economics, and corporate governance highlight his multifaceted expertise and his ongoing influence in these fields.