Jeffrey T. Mezger was born in Chicago, and from there, his path took root in a love for building, not just structures but communities. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from DePauw University in 1977, a foundation that quietly sharpened his mind for strategy, risk, and business sense.
The Climb from Division President to Industry Leader
His hands-on homebuilding journey began at U.S. Home, where he served for fifteen years and rose to leadership as President of its Central California division from 1983 to 1993. In 1993, Mezger joined KB Home, taking charge of its Antelope Valley division. Over the next decade, he moved through roles: Arizona division president, then Senior VP and Regional General Manager for the Southwest.
In 1999, he advanced to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, where he guided KB Home’s evolution through the KBnxt operational model and prepared it for expansion. Then, in late 2006, specifically November, he became President and Chief Executive Officer of KB Home. A decade later, in 2016, he added the role of Chairman of the Board, making his leadership both strategic and hands-on.
Turning KB Home into a Brand with Personality
Under Mezger’s direction, KB Home transformed from a reliable homebuilder into a brand known for style, substance, and customer choice. He championed the Built to Order™ experience, letting buyers choose floor plans, design touches, and home features tuned to their lives and budgets.
He didn’t stop at personalization. Mezger also guided KB Home into sustainable design and energy efficiency, weaving environmental care into every build and reducing harm without sacrificing quality. That combination of smart thinking and stewardship earned him induction into the California Homebuilding Foundation Hall of Fame in 2012.
Making His Mark on the Industry
Mezger’s leadership echoes through the industry. He helped establish Leading Builders of America, serving as its founding chairman from 2009 to around 2013. He has also lent his expertise to policy and education: serving on advisory boards at Harvard’s Joint Centre for Housing Studies, USC’s Lusk Centre for Real Estate, and UC Berkeley’s Fisher Centre for Real Estate & Urban Economics.
Steady Hands in Unsteady Times
Mezger’s steady hand has been most visible in times of turbulence. When he took the helm in 2006, the housing bubble was nearing its burst, yet under his guidance, KB Home endured and adapted. Recently, amid today’s affordability challenges and rising mortgage rates, he emphasizes that demand remains strong, especially among millennials and Gen Z hopeful homeowners.
KB Home’s strategy? Lean heavily on smart pricing and incentives instead of margin-heavy concessions, keeping homes accessible without losing ground. He also notes that despite cost pressures, KB Home’s margins remain above pre-pandemic levels.
The Person Behind the CEO Title
Digging a bit deeper, a 2018 interview paints a more personal, relatable picture of Mezger. When asked about his proudest moments, he didn’t mention accolades; he described the joy he sees on a family’s face as they get the keys to their new, personalized KB home.
That simple moment, he said, was his favourite reward. And his grounding source of inspiration? His father, who introduced him early on to the craft of building and instilled in him a deep respect for it.
Trusted Voice, Recognized Leader
Today, Mezger stays active with the National Association of Home Builders, Builder Homesite, and California Business Roundtable. He’s a trusted industry voice in a changing market. From TIME naming KB Home among America’s best midsize companies to record-high customer satisfaction, his leadership continues to shine.
Jeffrey T. Mezger isn’t just a CEO, he’s a leader who builds with purpose, a visionary rooted in everyday joy, and a steady hand in shifting markets. With thoughtful innovation, a respect for homebuyers, and a knack for steering his company through storms and opportunities alike, he remains one of the most respected names in U.S. homebuilding.
