Meet Our CIO Kenneth Orr
CEO, CIO. Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisor Law Exam
Kenneth “Kenny” Orr, is the founder of KORR, previously he initiated numerous constructivist investments. All of these concentrated investments out performed the markets. All proved not only profitable but provided much knowledge one can only obtain through experience. Mr. Orr identified a $1.5 billion takeover target for a KORR client, introduced a strategic partner and funding source to help shore up KORR’s client’s bid.
Kenneth Orr is a graduate of Tufts University (’88 – Bachelor of Science), Columbia Business School (Value Investing) and completed case studies by Harvard Business School Executive Education Program – Concentration in Valuation and Strategic Acquisitions.
Kenneth Orr joined a family-owned commodities trading firm called North American Agriculture Inc., and its sister company, Jake’s Products in 1988. Kenny’s roles included sourcing, buying and selling of physical commodities both domestically and internationally. Kenny opened up trade with the former Soviet Union, becoming one of the largest suppliers of cocoa beans to Russia. In addition, Kenny led the acquisition of Jackson and Johnson, a leading ICC carrier in the northeastern United States. and sale of significant assets to cooperative Minnesota Corn Processors. During his tenure, which lasted five years, the company’s sales increased by 600 percent and the staff grew to 320 employees. Kenny became a shareholder in both companies. In late 1993, Mr. Orr sold his interest in both companies.
Mr. Orr acquired Herold Securities in 1994 and renamed the firm First Cambridge Securities. FCS established offices in New York City and Los Angeles. As chief executive Officer, Kenny built the firm to over 400 employees with more than 15,000 clients. Clearing through Bear Stearns, FCS quickly became one of Bear Stearns largest correspondents. FCS was an underwriter, syndicate member and or placement agent in billions of dollars’ worth of IPOs, secondary offerings and private placements. In addition to brokerage services, FCS maintained a proprietary trading desk, fixed income department and a research department. Co-underwriters and or syndicate members of FCS included Starr Securities, Fagenson & Co., Merrill Lynch, Bear Stearns, Montgomery, and Rausher Pierce. Notable underwritings and or investment focus included, RentWay, which later sold to Rent-A-Center in 2003, and Ivax Corporation, which sold to Teva in 2005, creating the largest generic drug manufacturer in the world.
After selling FCS, in 1997, Kenny invested his family capital through a venture firm he founded called Triumph. from 1997 through 2015, Triumph invested in micro to small public and private companies that showed promise in the fields of technology, oil and gas, biotech, and health care.
Prior to founding KORR, Kenny initiated numerous constructivist investments. All of these concentrated investments out performed the markets. All proved profitable and provided activist knowledge one can only obtain through experience. Mr. Orr has recently identified a $1.5 billion takeover target for a KORR client, and introduced a strategic partner and funding source to help shore up KORR’s client’s bid.
In 1999, Mr. Orr received the Albert Einstein Award for “Outstanding Achievement in High Tech” which recognizes leaders in the advancement of emerging technology. Kenny belongs to Tufts Financial Group, and Hedge Fund Professionals. Kenny volunteers his time to interview applicants to Tufts University, coaching youth sports; and sits on numerous charitable boards such as the North Shore-LIJ Health System New Leadership Division and Aish HaTorah. At Tufts University, Kenny was a member of the Varsity Football Team, lettering four years. Kenny Orr is on the External Advisory Board of University of Pennsylvania Medical School’s Institute on Aging. In 2004, Mr. Orr and his wife, Cori, created the Orr Foundation, which supports local, national, and international charities.