W. Robert Kohorst

W. Robert Kohorst served from 2018 to 2021 as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia. Serving as the Chief of Mission at Embassy Zagreb, Ambassador Kohorst was responsible for a staff of 225 embassy employees and for representing the interests of the United States throughout Croatia. At the conclusion of his term, the President of Croatia, with the concurrence of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented Ambassador Kohorst with the Order of Duke Branimir medal for excellence in promoting international relations.

Prior to his service in Croatia, Ambassador Kohorst was the founder and CEO of Everest Properties, based in Pasadena, California, and currently is an advisor to the company. Everest is a large commercial enterprise that purchases and operates multifamily, self-storage, and retail properties throughout the United States, with property values in excess of $500 million. In addition to his expertise in real estate, Ambassador Kohorst is known for his business acumen, management skills, and broad experience in finance.

From 1984 through 1990, Ambassador Kohorst was the President of the Private Placement Group for Public Storage, Inc., a national U.S. real estate syndicator. In 1990, Ambassador Kohorst became the Chief Executive Officer and principal of two businesses, Tiger Shark Golf, Inc., a golf equipment manufacturer, and Masquerade International, Inc., a manufacturer of Halloween costumes. In 1991, Ambassador Kohorst co-founded KH Financial, Inc. (the predecessor to Everest), which engaged in the acquisition of general partner interests, real estate companies and related assets.

Ambassador Kohorst holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of Dayton (Summa cum Laude) and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School (Order of the Coif). Following law school, he was a law clerk for Judge Albert Engel, U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Ambassador Kohorst has been recognized for his contributions to public service organizations and education as Director and past Chairman of the Young Presidents' Organization (San Gabriel Valley Chapter), Regent of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, Trustee of La Salle High School in Pasadena, California and Director and past President of the San Gabriel Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Ambassador Kohorst is married to Shelley Allen, a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in education. They have two adult sons, both of whom work for Everest Properties. They also have two grandchildren, ages 7 and 5. The entire family is passionate about sports, particularly skiing, basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and golf.

Ambassadorial Post(s)

Croatia, (2018 - 2021)

Areas of Expertise