Marc Rowan
Marc Rowan | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 19, 1962 United States |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Global Management |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Known for | Co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management |
Marc Jeffrey Rowan (born August 19, 1962) is an American financier and the Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Global Management, a firm he co-established in 1990 alongside Josh Harris and Leon Black. He has been serving as CEO since 2021. As of , Forbes valued his personal fortune at approximately $8.8 billion.
Early life and education
Born in 1962 into a Jewish household, Rowan grew up on Long Island, New York, before relocating to Hollywood, Florida. His father was employed in the automobile leasing industry, while his mother, Barbara, combined careers as an educator and a trained concert pianist. His grandfather, Emanuel Stein, held a professorship in economics at New York University, and numerous family members practiced as public interest attorneys.
Rowan pursued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania. After the death of his father, the institution permitted him to continue his education with deferred tuition arrangements. He graduated with highest honors (summa cum laude) earning both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was recognized as valedictorian.
Career
Rowan launched his professional journey in the mergers and acquisitions division at Drexel Burnham Lambert, working in their New York and Los Angeles offices until the company’s collapse in 1990. That same year, he joined forces with former Drexel colleagues Leon Black and Josh Harris to establish the asset management firm Apollo Global Management.
In July 2020, Rowan took a partial sabbatical from Apollo but continued contributing to strategic planning and board responsibilities until assuming the CEO position in March 2021. Since then, he has concentrated on enhancing Apollo’s strategic direction and strengthening its corporate culture.
Philanthropy
Rowan holds the position of Chair on the Board of UJA-Federation of New York, is a founding member and Chairperson of the Youth Renewal Fund, and serves as Vice Chair for Darca Schools.
University of Pennsylvania
Maintaining a close relationship with his alma mater, Rowan acts as Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Wharton School of Business. In October 2018, he contributed $50 million to Wharton aimed at advancing academic leadership, with particular support directed toward the Penn Wharton Budget Model. In December 2023, Rowan spearheaded an initiative among university donors advocating for the removal of then-President Liz Magill and Board Chair Scott Bok, expressing dissatisfaction with how the university addressed antisemitism following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
After the 2023 Palestine Writes conference held at Penn, Rowan coordinated a boycott by donors and signed a letter demanding measures against perceived antisemitism associated with the event. He also called for Magill’s resignation amid responses linked to the 2023 United States Congress hearing on antisemitism. Following her exit, Rowan proposed reforms on campus that some faculty members criticized as resembling "a hostile Republican takeover" posing risks to academic freedom.
Politics
In December 2023, Rowan hosted a fundraising event supporting Republican politician and House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx. Alongside his spouse, he donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
Nomination for U.S. Treasury Secretary
In the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election in November, President Trump conducted an interview with Rowan regarding the nomination for U.S. Treasury Secretary. Following this announcement, Apollo's stock experienced a decline, as Rowan holds a 6% stake in the firm and would likely need to divest his shares if confirmed. His potential appointment carries implications for the $24 trillion private equity industry.
Personal life
Rowan is married to Carolyn Pleva, a fashion designer whom he met through a blind date. The couple lives in New York City and has four children. Outside of his financial career, Rowan is also involved in the restaurant business, owning several dining establishments in The Hamptons.
External links
- Apollo profile
- (includes information on Colorado Veil and Vegas Caesar transactions)