Mr. John W. Krafft

Senior Advisor

John W. Krafft, retired Vice President and Credit Manager of the International Banking Division at CoBank, has extensive management experience in international business, trade banking and commercial credit. 

During his tenure, Mr. Krafft successfully managed all risk aspects of CoBank’s $4.0 billion international credit portfolio. John managed risk functions such as credit and country risk with exposure in 30 developing countries. 

Prior to joining CoBank, Mr. Krafft served as Vice President of First Interstate Bank. John successfully opened the Beijing Representative Office and served as First Interstate’s first China Country Manager. While residing in China, John led the negotiations to establish an international joint venture leasing company in Beijing. He later served as CEO of the company.

Mr. Krafft’s other past experiences include his tenure as Deputy Director and Senior Credit officer for Seoul Bank where he resolved serious underwriting and asset quality problems. In his role, he dealt extensively with U.S. regulators and successfully developed trade finance and correspondent banking business. Mr. Krafft also served as Vice President for Bank of America’s International Business Office.

Mr. Krafft holds a Political Science degree from Brown University, a Masters in Chinese History from University of Hawaii, and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Mr. Krafft has published articles on business processes in China and is fluent in mandarin.