Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Woods Kemper |
| Net Worth | Estimated at least $105 million (April 2025) |
| Education | Harvard University, Oxford University, Stanford Graduate School of Business |
| Current Role | Executive Chairman, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. |
| Family Background | Prominent Kemper banking family |
Early Life and Education
David Woods Kemper was born into the famous Kemper banking family, which shaped Midwest finance. He graduated with honors from Harvard University then studied at Oxford and Stanford, laying the groundwork for his profession.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Graduated cum laude, Harvard University |
| 1974 | MA in English Literature, Oxford University |
| 1976 | MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business |
Career Progression
Before joining Commerce Bank of Kansas City, David W. Kemper worked at Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. His swift rise at Commerce Bancshares showed his leadership in growing the bank’s regional reach.
| Year | Position |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Started at Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. |
| 1978 | Vice President, Commerce Bank of Kansas City |
| 1982 | President, Commerce Bancshares |
| 1986 | Chairman and CEO, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. |
| 1991 | Chairman, President, and CEO, Commerce Bancshares |
| Current | Executive Chairman, Commerce Bancshares, Inc. |
Civic Engagement
David W. Kemper is a civic leader and philanthropist in addition to banking. His positions on boards, including Vice Chairman of a large university’s board of trustees, demonstrate his dedication to community development and education.
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| Washington University in St. Louis | Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees |
| Missouri Botanical Garden | Board Member |
| St. Louis Art Museum | Board Member |
| Civic Progress in St. Louis | Member |
Family Legacy
David W. Kemper is a notable member of the Kemper family’s banking and philanthropy tradition. Multiple generations of his family have led financial institutions since the early 20th century.
| Name | Relation | Significant Role |
|---|---|---|
| William Thornton Kemper Sr. | Great-Grandfather | Founder of Commerce Bank (1903) |
| James M. Kemper Jr. | Father | Former Chairman, Commerce Bancshares |
| Rufus Crosby Kemper Sr. | Great-Uncle | Leader, UMB Financial Corporation |
| R. Crosby Kemper Jr. | Cousin | Former Chairman, UMB Financial Corporation |
| Jonathan Kemper | Brother | Civic leader, Kansas City Public Library |
Estimated Net Worth
David W. Kemper’s Commerce Bancshares and Post Holdings holdings made him wealthy at least $105 million in April 2025. This financial status highlights his banking and investment success.
| Asset Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Commerce Bancshares, Inc. | Approximately 1,674,588 shares valued at $101 million |
| Post Holdings, Inc. | Approximately 29,722 shares valued at $3 million |
FAQ
David W. Kemper’s education?
The Harvard Cum laude, Oxford Master of Arts, and Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA were earned by David W. Kemper.
David W. Kemper’s career roles?
David W. Kemper has been Commerce Bancshares’ President, Chairman, and Executive Chairman.
How does David W. Kemper lead civically?
Kemper serves on multiple civic bodies and is Vice Chairman of a major university’s board of trustees.
How important is the Kemper family in banking?
Multiple generations of the Kemper family have led Commerce Bancshares and UMB Financial, influencing Midwest banking.
David W. Kemper’s estimated wealth?
David W. Kemper’s shareholdings in significant banking and holding firms made him wealthy at least $105 million in April 2025.
