Kenneth M. Jacobs (born September 1958) is an American business executive. He was the CEO and chairman of Lazard from 2009 until September 2023, when he became executive chairman.

Biography

Born September 1958, Jacobs received a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago and an M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He joined the financial company Lazard in 1988, and was named a partner in 1991. In 2002 he was named deputy chairman and head of North America for Lazard. In this role, he focused on new markets and new practices, for example expanding Lazard’s financial advisory business via acquisitions. In November 2009, the Lazard board elected Jacobs as chairman and chief executive officer. Lazard announced on May 26, 2023 that Jacobs would transition from CEO and chairman to executive chairman effective October 1, 2023, while continuing to advise clients on financial matters. As of 2023, Jacobs was a member of the board of trustees of the University of Chicago and the Brookings Institution.