Marc Rowan

Marc Rowan is an American businessperson and investor, best known as a co-founder and the chief executive officer of the global alternative investment firm Apollo Global Management. A prominent figure in private equity and credit investing, he played a pivotal role in building Apollo into one of the world's largest and most influential asset managers. His career spans decades of major transactions in leveraged buyouts, corporate credit, and insurance, significantly shaping the modern financial services landscape.

Early life and education

Marc Rowan was born on August 8, 1962, in the Queens borough of New York City. He demonstrated an early aptitude for finance and mathematics, which led him to pursue higher education at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. At Wharton, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance, graduating in 1984. He continued his studies at the same institution, completing a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School in 1985, where he further honed the analytical skills that would define his career.

Career

Rowan began his professional career in the investment banking division of Drexel Burnham Lambert, working under the influential Michael Milken in the high-yield debt and junk bond group during the 1980s. This experience provided a foundational education in credit markets and structured finance. In 1990, alongside former Drexel colleagues Leon Black and Joshua Harris, he co-founded Apollo Global Management. At Apollo, Rowan was instrumental in developing the firm's credit-oriented investment strategies, distinguishing it from traditional leveraged buyout shops. He led the creation and growth of Apollo's credit business, Athene Holding, a annuity provider that became a cornerstone of the firm's insurance and asset management strategy. After serving as senior managing director and leading the firm's global credit platform for many years, he succeeded Leon Black as chief executive officer in 2021, following a period of leadership transition. Under his leadership, Apollo has continued to expand its reach in private equity, private credit, and real assets.

Philanthropy

Marc Rowan is an active philanthropist with a focus on education, medical research, and Jewish causes. He and his wife, Carolyn, have been significant donors to the Wharton School, where a major gift led to the naming of the Rowan Hall graduate student residence. He serves on the board of overseers at the Wharton School and is a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania. His philanthropic efforts also extend to medical institutions, including substantial support for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Furthermore, he is a strong supporter of Birthright Israel and other organizations dedicated to strengthening ties with the State of Israel and combating antisemitism.

Personal life

Marc Rowan is married to Carolyn Rowan, and the couple has three children. They maintain residences in New York City and have been involved in the city's social and philanthropic circles for decades. An avid art collector, Rowan has an interest in contemporary art and serves on the board of the Whitney Museum of American Art. He is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life despite his significant public profile in the financial world.

See also

* Private equity * Leveraged buyout * Alternative investment * Leon Black * Joshua Harris (businessman) * Athene Holding * Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Category:American businesspeople Category:1962 births Category:Living people Category:Apollo Global Management