David Herro: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

David Herro’s Profile Summary

Company	Harris Associates
Position	Co-Chief Investment Officer, International Equities; Portfolio Manager
Source of wealth	Management and performance fees derived from his roles at Harris Associates and Oakmark Funds, along with investment returns from the funds he manages
Also known as	David Herro is also known for his philanthropic efforts and political donations
Age	66
Education	University of Wisconsin-Platteville - B.S. in Business/Economics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - M.A. in Economics
Citizenship	United States
Residence	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Family	David Herro is known to have a partner, although he has kept much of his personal life private
Website, Social Media	https://oakmark.com/

Biography

David Herro is a prominent investment manager known for his expertise in international equities. He was born and raised in Wisconsin, completing his Bachelor's degree in Business/Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1983, and later earning a Master's in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1985. After starting his career at Principal Financial Group and The State of Wisconsin Investment Board, Herro joined Harris Associates in 1992, where he became a pivotal figure in managing Oakmark's international strategies. Over the years, he has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including being named Morningstar’s International Stock Fund Manager of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2016, and International Stock Fund Manager of the Decade for 2000-2009. Known for his value-based investment philosophy, Herro has been a consistent advocate for long-term investments in undervalued international stocks. His success is highlighted by the continued performance of Oakmark’s international portfolios under his guidance

How did David Herro make money?

David Herro makes money in the following areas:

Management and performance fees derived from his roles at Harris Associates and Oakmark Funds, along with investment returns from the funds he manages
What is David Herro net worth?

As of 2026, David Herro’s net worth is estimated to be $500M.

What is David Herro also known as?

David Herro is well known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in supporting educational initiatives for underserved youth. He is a strong advocate for equal access to education and has donated to several charitable causes focused on expanding opportunities for disadvantaged communities. Politically, Herro is a notable Republican donor, backing free-market initiatives and candidates who support policies aligned with his economic views. He has also supported causes such as the American Unity Fund, which advocates for same-sex marriage legalization, demonstrating his commitment to both social and economic freedoms

Prominent achievements

David Herro has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named Morningstar's International Stock Fund Manager of the Year in both 2006 and 2016, as well as Fund Manager of the Decade for 2000-2009. His long tenure at Oakmark and Harris Associates is marked by his consistent ability to generate strong returns for his investors

The Oakmark International Small Cap Fund, managed by David Herro, received a 2025 LSEG Lipper Fund Award for best International Small/Mid-Cap Core Fund over five years.

What are David Herro’s key insights?

David Herro is a value investor who strongly believes in bottom-up investing, focusing on the fundamentals of individual companies rather than macroeconomic trends. His investment philosophy revolves around identifying undervalued stocks with strong cash flows, emphasizing long-term value. Herro is a proponent of free-market capitalism and stresses the importance of sticking to one's strategy, even in volatile markets

Personal life

While there is limited detailed public information regarding David Herro's family, he mentioned having a live-in male partner as of 2012. Beyond this, there are no significant publicly disclosed details about other family members, reflecting his preference for privacy in his personal affairs

Useful insights

Focus on long-term value

Long-term thinking is critical for lasting success. David Swensen, the late Chief Investment Officer of Yale University, built his career on focusing on sustainable, long-term growth.

Think beyond immediate gains

David Swensen is known for focusing on long-term returns rather than short-term profits. Whether in investments or career decisions, always consider the long-term impact of your actions. Patience often leads to better results than chasing quick wins.
Diversify your skillset

Just as Swensen diversified his investment strategies, it’s important to diversify your skills. Continually develop new skills and broaden your expertise. This makes you more adaptable and prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.
Communicate transparently

Swensen believed in keeping stakeholders informed about both risks and opportunities. In any professional or personal endeavor, transparent communication fosters trust and aligns everyone toward common goals.