Kempe: A Legacy of International Journalism and Global Leadership
From the front lines of the Cold War to the helm of a premier global think tank, Kempe has spent decades analyzing and shaping the narrative of international relations. With a career defined by a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of global politics, he has transitioned from a world-renowned journalist to a strategic leader fostering transatlantic cooperation.
Key Facts
- Spent nearly 30 years at the Wall Street Journal in various editorial and management roles.
- Served as the President and CEO of the Atlantic Council starting in 2007.
- Covered pivotal historical events including the collapse of Soviet Communism and German reunification.
- Decorated by the presidents of Poland and Germany, and the King of Sweden.
- Fluent in German and a recognized expert in international security and economics.
A Distinguished Career in Journalism
Kempe joined the Wall Street Journal in 1981, beginning his tenure in London. His expertise in European affairs led him to establish the paper's Vienna bureau in 1984 and its Berlin bureau in 1990. Over nearly three decades, he served in multiple capacities, including editor, associate publisher, columnist, and correspondent.
His reporting captured some of the most significant geopolitical shifts of the late 20th century. He documented the rise of Solidarity in Poland, the political trajectory of Mikhail Gorbachev in Russia, the reunification of Germany, and the eventual collapse of Soviet Communism. His field experience also extended to covering conflicts in Afghanistan and Lebanon, as well as the American invasion of Panama.
Beyond reporting, Kempe was a pioneer in specialized publishing. As managing editor from 1992 to 1997, he created the Central European Economic Review and co-founded Convergence, a magazine focused on the digital economy in Europe.
Leadership at the Wall Street Journal
Kempe's management legacy is marked by longevity and expansion. He holds the record as the longest-serving editor and associate publisher of the Wall Street Journal Europe. From 2002 to 2005, he served as the European editor for the global publication, where he also oversaw reporting from the Middle East. His final roles at the journal included assistant managing editor for International affairs and the author of the "Thinking Global" column.
Leading the Atlantic Council
In 2007, Kempe transitioned from journalism to executive leadership as the president and chief executive officer of the Atlantic Council, a non-partisan think tank. Under his guidance, the organization quadrupled in size, significantly expanding its staff and global influence.
His leadership has broadened the Council's scope to address critical issues in international security, energy, environment, and business. While maintaining a focus on transatlantic interests, he expanded the organization's reach into Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In recognition of his efforts to strengthen the partnership between North America and Europe, Kempe has been honored with decorations from the presidents of Poland and Germany, as well as King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Academic Contributions and Public Discourse
Kempe remains a prominent voice in global affairs. He has been a regular contributor to CNBC and previously served as a columnist for Reuters and Bloomberg News. His expertise is frequently sought after for high-level forums, including his appearance as a speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2019.
His commitment to education is evident through his role as the 2010 lecturer for the Waldo Family Lecture Series on International Relations at Old Dominion University. Additionally, the University of Utah recognized his achievements by granting him a distinguished alumni award in 2014.
| Period/Year | Organization | Role/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1981–2000s | Wall Street Journal | Correspondent, Editor, Associate Publisher |
| 1992–1997 | WSJ / Convergence | Managing Editor; Co-founder of Convergence |
| 2002–2005 | Wall Street Journal | European Editor (including Middle East oversight) |
| 2007–Present | Atlantic Council | President and CEO |
| 2010 | Old Dominion University | Waldo Family Lecture Series Lecturer |
| 2014 | University of Utah | Distinguished Alumni Award |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which major historical events did Kempe cover for the Wall Street Journal?
Kempe covered the collapse of Soviet Communism, the reunification of Germany, the rise of Solidarity in Poland, the ascent and fall of Mikhail Gorbachev, and wars in Lebanon and Afghanistan, as well as the U.S. invasion of Panama.
What was Kempe's impact on the Atlantic Council?
As President and CEO, Kempe quadrupled the size of the Atlantic Council, expanding its staff and increasing its influence in international security, energy, environment, and global issues across the transatlantic region, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
What publications did Kempe help create?
During his time as managing editor (1992–1997), he created the Central European Economic Review and co-founded Convergence, a magazine dedicated to Europe's digital economy.
Which foreign leaders have honored Kempe?
Kempe has been decorated by the presidents of Germany and Poland, as well as King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, for his work in strengthening the transatlantic partnership.
What are Kempe's linguistic skills and academic honors?
Kempe is fluent in German. He received the University of Utah's distinguished alumni award in 2014 and was the 2010 lecturer for the Waldo Family Lecture Series at Old Dominion University.