Oliver Haarmann is a distinguished German private equity financier, widely recognized as a founding partner of Searchlight Capital Partners, a global private investment firm. Born in September 1967, Haarmann has built an extensive career in the investment industry, marked by significant leadership roles and a commitment to philanthropic endeavors.

Haarmann's academic background includes a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Relations from Brown University, which he earned in 1990, and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1996.

Before co-founding Searchlight Capital Partners in 2010, Haarmann spent 12 years as a senior partner at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), a global investment firm. At KKR, he played a crucial role in developing the firm's European business from its early stages into a leading private equity firm in Europe.

As a founding partner of Searchlight Capital Partners, Haarmann is integral to the firm's strategic direction and operational effectiveness. He serves on its Investment Committee, Operating Committee, and Valuation Committee, sharing responsibility for overseeing the firm's activities. Searchlight Capital Partners has grown significantly under his leadership, managing over $10 billion in assets.

Beyond his contributions to the financial sector, Oliver Haarmann is actively involved in various educational and philanthropic initiatives. He serves as the Chairman of IntoUniversity, a leading educational charity in the UK that provides young people with educational support and access to university. He is also a trustee of Brown University and the Surgo Foundation, a charity he helped co-found.

In a recent development, Haarmann has also become a minority co-owner of the NHL's New York Islanders. As of July 2025, Haarmann is reportedly in a relationship with actress Reese Witherspoon.