Kassy Kebede: Life, Career & Liya Kebede [Complete Guide]
Ever wondered what becomes of a power couple after the fairytale ends? The story of Kassy Kebede, a prominent Ethiopian business professional, and his former marriage to supermodel and actress Liya Kebede, is a fascinating exploration of ambition, family, and the divergent paths life can take. Their journey, once intertwined, now unfolds separately, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields.
Kassy Kebede's narrative is one of financial acumen and entrepreneurial drive. While his former wife, Liya, graces magazine covers and champions maternal health through her foundation, Kassy navigates the complex world of finance. He is a figure who transitioned from the structured environment of established banking institutions to the dynamic arena of hedge funds and private equity. His story is not just about business; it's about vision, leadership, and the pursuit of impactful investments, particularly within his native Ethiopia.
Full Name | Kassahun (Kassy) Kebede |
Nationality | Ethiopian |
Profession | Business Professional, Financier, Entrepreneur |
Education | Information Not Available (Further research needed via LinkedIn and other professional platforms) |
Marital Status | Divorced (from Liya Kebede) |
Children | Suhul (born 2001), Raee (born August 2005) |
Key Achievements |
|
Panton Capital Group | New York-based hedge fund focusing on credit strategies, founded in 2004. Kassy Kebede served as Chairman from 2004 to 2009. |
Cepheus Growth Capital Partners | Private equity fund in Ethiopia, founded in 2016. Has made significant minority investment in Lion Brands, a fast-moving consumer goods company. |
Relationship with Liya Kebede | Married in 2000, separated in 2013, divorced in 2015. |
LinkedIn Profile | View Kassy Kebede's Profile (Note: Replace with actual profile link if found) |
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this table, some details may require further verification through official sources. The LinkedIn profile link is a placeholder and should be updated with the actual link if available.
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Kebede's career trajectory reveals a path forged through both established institutions and entrepreneurial ventures. Before venturing into the world of hedge funds and private equity, he honed his skills within the traditional banking sector. He was among a select group of senior executives who departed Merrill Lynch in 1995 to establish the global markets division of Deutsche Bank, a move that speaks volumes about his capabilities and the high regard in which he was held.
The establishment of Panton Capital Group, a New York-based hedge fund specializing in credit strategies, marked a significant milestone in Kassy Kebede's career. Founded in 2004, Panton Capital Group pooled funds from recognized institutional investors, strategically allocating them across various assets. Kebede served as Chairman of the group from its inception until 2009, guiding its investment strategies and overseeing its operations. This venture demonstrated his capacity to navigate the complexities of the financial market and generate returns for its investors.
In 2016, Kebede embarked on a new venture with the founding of Cepheus Growth Capital Partners, a private equity fund focused on investments in Ethiopia. As Managing Partner, he directs the fund's strategy, identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities within the Ethiopian market. Cepheus Growth Capital Partners has already made a notable investment in Lion Brands, one of Ethiopia's largest fast-moving consumer goods companies, demonstrating Kebede's commitment to supporting local businesses and contributing to the country's economic development.
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While Kassy Kebede's professional life has been marked by success, his personal life has also seen its share of change. His marriage to Liya Kebede, the Ethiopian-born supermodel, actress, and advocate for maternal health, captivated many. They exchanged vows in 2000 and built a family together, welcoming their son Suhul in 2001 and their daughter Raee in 2005. However, after thirteen years of marriage, the couple separated in 2013, and their divorce was finalized in 2015.
The end of their marriage brought about a shift in their lives, with both individuals pursuing their respective passions. Liya Kebede continued her successful modeling career, graced the covers of numerous magazines, and expanded her philanthropic efforts through the Liya Kebede Foundation, later folded into the lemlem Foundation, which supports safe motherhood initiatives in Africa. She also pursued her acting career, appearing in films such as "The Good Shepherd," "The Best Offer," and "Lord of War."
Liya Kebede's journey began on March 1, 1978, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At the age of 18, she embarked on her modeling career, quickly gaining recognition for her striking beauty and captivating presence. Her big break came when Tom Ford offered her an exclusive contract for his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. This marked the beginning of her ascent to supermodel status, gracing the runways of top designers and appearing in campaigns for renowned fashion houses.
Beyond her modeling career, Liya Kebede has dedicated herself to advocating for maternal health in Africa. Her foundation works to improve access to healthcare services for pregnant women and new mothers, reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring safer childbirth experiences. Her commitment to this cause has earned her recognition as a World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
While Liya Kebede's life has been lived in the public eye, Kassy Kebede has maintained a relatively lower profile, focusing on his business ventures and investments. His work with Cepheus Growth Capital Partners reflects his desire to contribute to the economic growth of Ethiopia, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for its people. His journey from Merrill Lynch to Deutsche Bank, and then to Panton Capital Group and Cepheus Growth Capital Partners, demonstrates his adaptability, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to making a positive impact through his work.
The lives of Kassy and Liya Kebede, once intertwined, now represent distinct paths. One, a financier and investor, focused on building businesses and driving economic growth; the other, a supermodel, actress, and advocate, using her platform to raise awareness and improve the lives of women and children in Africa. While their marriage may have ended, their individual contributions to their respective fields continue to shape their legacies.
The story of their relationship, from their wedding in 2000 to their separation in 2013 and subsequent divorce in 2015, offers a glimpse into the complexities of balancing personal life with demanding careers. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained committed to raising their two children, Suhul and Raee, who are now young adults. Their ability to navigate the complexities of co-parenting after divorce speaks to their maturity and dedication to their family.
As Liya Kebede continues to shine on the world stage, using her influence to promote important causes, Kassy Kebede remains focused on his business ventures, seeking out opportunities to invest in and support the growth of businesses in Ethiopia. Their individual journeys serve as a reminder that success can take many forms, and that even after a relationship ends, individuals can continue to make meaningful contributions to the world.
The story of Kassy Kebede is therefore not just a tale of financial success but also a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the ongoing pursuit of making a difference. While his connection to Liya Kebede may have initially drawn attention, his career achievements and commitment to his native Ethiopia have solidified his place as a prominent figure in the business world.
Ultimately, the narrative of Kassy Kebede and Liya Kebede reflects the ever-evolving nature of relationships and the diverse paths individuals take in pursuit of their goals. Their story, though marked by both shared moments and separate journeys, serves as a reminder that success and fulfillment can be found in various forms, and that even after a chapter closes, new opportunities for growth and impact can emerge.
And so, the story continues, with Kassy Kebede charting his course in the world of finance and investment, and Liya Kebede continuing to inspire and advocate for change on the global stage. Their individual legacies, shaped by their experiences and driven by their passions, will undoubtedly continue to unfold in the years to come.
In the bustling metropolis of New York, where ambition intertwines with opportunity, Kassy Kebede established Panton Capital Group, a hedge fund specializing in credit strategies. His leadership as Chairman from 2004 to 2009 steered the firm through the ebbs and flows of the financial markets, solidifying his reputation as a shrewd and insightful investor. The establishment of Panton Capital Group marked a pivotal moment in Kebede's career, demonstrating his ability to not only identify lucrative investment opportunities but also to build and manage a successful financial enterprise.
Driven by a desire to contribute to the economic development of his homeland, Kassy Kebede founded Cepheus Growth Capital Partners in 2016, a private equity fund dedicated to investing in Ethiopia. As Managing Partner, he leverages his financial expertise and deep understanding of the Ethiopian market to identify and support promising businesses. The fund's investment in Lion Brands, a major player in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, underscores Kebede's commitment to fostering growth and creating opportunities within Ethiopia's burgeoning economy.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Kassy Kebede's personal life has also shaped his journey. His marriage to Liya Kebede, the renowned Ethiopian model and actress, brought him into the public eye. Together, they built a family and shared a life that spanned continents and cultures. While their marriage ultimately came to an end, it remains a significant chapter in their individual stories.
Liya Kebede's impact on the world extends far beyond the realm of fashion and entertainment. As a model, she graced the covers of countless magazines and walked the runways for the world's leading designers. As an actress, she appeared in acclaimed films, showcasing her talent and versatility. But perhaps her most significant contribution lies in her advocacy for maternal health. Through her foundation, she has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children in Africa, reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring access to quality healthcare.
The decision to finalize their divorce in 2015 marked the end of an era for both Kassy and Liya Kebede. However, it also paved the way for new beginnings and the pursuit of individual goals. Liya Kebede continued her work as a model, actress, and advocate, while Kassy Kebede remained focused on his business ventures and investments. Despite the end of their marriage, they remained committed to co-parenting their children, ensuring that Suhul and Raee continued to receive the love and support they needed.
The couple's two children, Suhul and Raee, born in 2001 and 2005 respectively, have grown up amidst the whirlwind of their parents' successful careers. They have witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work required to achieve success in both the business and entertainment worlds. Their upbringing, shaped by the experiences of their parents, has undoubtedly instilled in them a sense of global awareness and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Kassy Kebede's journey from Merrill Lynch to Deutsche Bank to Panton Capital Group and Cepheus Growth Capital Partners reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to success. His ability to navigate the complexities of the financial markets and to identify and capitalize on investment opportunities has earned him a reputation as a respected and influential figure in the business world. His dedication to supporting businesses in Ethiopia underscores his commitment to giving back to his community and contributing to the economic development of his homeland.
Liya Kebede's story is one of perseverance, talent, and a deep-seated desire to make a difference. Her rise to supermodel status is a testament to her beauty, charisma, and hard work. Her commitment to advocating for maternal health in Africa has transformed the lives of countless women and children. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her commitment to social causes have made her a role model for aspiring models and activists around the world.
Together, the stories of Kassy and Liya Kebede offer a glimpse into the lives of two extraordinary individuals who have achieved success in their respective fields. Their marriage, though ultimately ending in divorce, remains a significant chapter in their individual narratives. Their commitment to co-parenting their children and their continued dedication to their careers and social causes serve as an inspiration to others. The journeys of Kassy Kebede and Liya Kebede remind us that success can take many forms and that even after a chapter closes, new opportunities for growth and impact can emerge.
Kassy Kebedes strategic investment in Lion Brands through Cepheus Growth Capital Partners highlights his business acumen and commitment to fostering economic growth in Ethiopia. This investment not only supports a local company but also contributes to the overall development of the fast-moving consumer goods sector, creating jobs and opportunities for Ethiopians.
The establishment of the lemlem Foundation by Liya Kebede is a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of women and children in Africa. By focusing on safe motherhood initiatives, the foundation addresses a critical need and empowers women to have healthy pregnancies and childbirth experiences. Her work with the lemlem Foundation has had a tangible impact on communities across Africa.
The contrasting paths of Kassy and Liya Kebede following their divorce illustrate the diverse ways in which individuals can find fulfillment and make a difference in the world. While Kassy focuses on finance and investment, Liya dedicates herself to modeling, acting, and advocacy. Their stories serve as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that success can be defined in many ways and that it is possible to create a meaningful life, even after facing personal challenges.
Kassy Kebede's role in building the global markets division of Deutsche Bank in 1995 showcases his leadership skills and his ability to excel in a demanding and competitive environment. His contributions to Deutsche Bank helped to establish the institution as a major player in the global financial markets.
Liya Kebede's early success in the modeling industry, marked by her exclusive contract with Tom Ford for Gucci in 2000, propelled her to international stardom. Her beauty, grace, and professionalism captivated audiences and designers alike, solidifying her status as a supermodel. Her journey from Addis Ababa to the runways of Paris and New York is a testament to her talent and determination.
The fact that Liya Kebede was the first black woman to represent Este Lauder underscores her impact on the beauty industry and her role in breaking down barriers. Her presence as a spokesmodel for Este Lauder helped to promote diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry, inspiring women of all backgrounds to embrace their natural beauty.
The tempo of life in Paris, where Liya Kebede often resides, seems to suit her well, particularly in recent years. The city's vibrant culture, artistic atmosphere, and cosmopolitan nature provide a stimulating backdrop for her multifaceted career and her philanthropic endeavors.
Kassy Kebedes deep understanding of credit strategies, honed through his experience at Panton Capital Group, has enabled him to make informed investment decisions and generate returns for his investors. His expertise in the financial markets is a valuable asset in the world of hedge funds and private equity.
Liya Kebedes ability to balance her career as a model and actress with her philanthropic work is a testament to her organizational skills and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. She seamlessly juggles multiple responsibilities, demonstrating her dedication to both her personal and professional pursuits.
The story of Kassy and Liya Kebede serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals face challenges and that personal relationships can be complex and ever-evolving. Their ability to navigate these challenges and to continue to thrive in their respective fields is a testament to their resilience and their determination.
As Kassy Kebede continues to pursue his business ventures and Liya Kebede continues to inspire and advocate for change, their individual legacies will undoubtedly continue to grow and evolve. Their contributions to the worlds of finance, fashion, and philanthropy will be remembered for years to come, leaving a lasting impact on their respective fields.
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model Liya Kebede with husband and children. 90s model, Vogue models

Kassy Kebede and Liya Kebede attend Proenza Schouler's fall 2011

Kassy kebede Banque de photographies et d’images à haute résolution Alamy