Early Life
Antony P. Ressler was born on October 12, 1960, in Washington, D.C., into a Jewish family. His father was an attorney and World War II veteran, while his mother was a homemaker. Ressler earned a BSFS from Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Rise to Success
Ressler's career began at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he rose to Senior Vice President in the high-yield bond department. Following Drexel's collapse in 1990, he co-founded Apollo Global Management with Leon Black, Josh Harris, and Marc Rowan. In 1997, Ressler co-founded Ares Management with John H. Kissick and Bennett Rosenthal. Ares Management has grown into a leading global alternative asset manager.
Key Business Strategies
Ressler's success stems from his ability to identify undervalued assets and execute strategic investments. He has focused on private equity and asset management, overseeing substantial investment portfolios. The acquisitions of the Atlanta Hawks and his minority stake in the Milwaukee Brewers showcase his interest in sports ownership.
Philanthropy
Ressler and his wife, actress Jami Gertz, are known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in education. They founded the Gertz-Ressler High Academy in Los Angeles, part of the Alliance for College-Ready Public Schools. They also contribute to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Painted Turtle Camp, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
