A select group of Europeans have made it into the upper echelons of US buyout firms. Johannes Huth, head of Europe at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is one of them. His ascent has been conducted in a measured, unassuming way, but one that has impressed peers and investors alike.

One placement agent said: "He is humble, very Germanic in his style and that works in certain parts of Europe very well - if you are precise, careful and conservative, you will fit in with people well. Johannes has a great reputation in the European market. He is very good, hard-working, ambitious and a very smart investor."