New User CRM - Cannot view existing accounts and contacts

New User CRM - Cannot view existing accounts and contacts

Hello community!

I have added a new user to my CRM but I can't get him to see existing contacts and accounts. 
I have checked his login profile over and over again, but I can't figure out where the problem lies.
I have found that if I move all contacts and accounts from private to public this will fix it...but is this really the only solution?
If it is the only solution, how do I massively change them all from private to public?

Graciass!!