Billionaire Profile
David Kaplan
Global Rank
#1797

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

David Kaplan

CEO, Ares Management Corporation
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.3B
As of December 2025
Age
58
Source
Finance
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
US

Biography

David Kaplan, co-founder of Ares Management, is an American billionaire with a net worth estimated at $2.3 billion as of November 2024. His wealth stems from his leadership in the finance industry, particularly through his strategic investments at Ares Management Corporation, a global alternative investment firm. Kaplan's career includes key roles at Apollo Global Management and Shelter Capital Partners before co-founding Ares in 1997. He is involved in various investment committees and serves as Chairman of the board of directors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His focus on healthcare and dedication to philanthropy is evident through his contributions to various initiatives.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Specific details about David Kaplan's early life and education are not readily available in the search results, but he is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, concentrating in Finance.

Rise to Success

David Kaplan's career began with a background in finance and investment. He spent a decade at Apollo Management, and later worked at Shelter Capital Partners before co-founding Ares Management Corporation in 1997. Ares Management has grown into a global alternative investment firm, managing approximately $419 billion in assets. As a co-founder and partner, Kaplan has played a pivotal role in the firm's exceptional growth.

Key Business Strategies

Kaplan's success is attributed to his acumen in finance, his astute investment strategies, and strategic thinking within Ares Management. He serves on several Ares Investment Committees, including the Ares Private Equity Group's Corporate Opportunities and the Ares Credit Group's Opportunistic Credit Investment Committee.

Philanthropy

David Kaplan and his wife, Meredith, are actively involved in philanthropy. They established the David and Meredith Kaplan Foundation, a private foundation located in Florham Park, New Jersey, with assets totaling approximately $19.2 million. The foundation supports various causes, including education and healthcare. They have provided significant support to Cedars-Sinai, including a $10 million gift to establish the David and Meredith Kaplan Presidential Chair. Kaplan also provides tremendous support to the Holocaust Survival Fund, and supports projects aimed at supporting Jewish youth.

Career Milestones

1991-2000

Senior Partner

Senior Partner of Apollo Management, L.P. and its affiliates.

2000-2003

Senior Principal

Worked at Shelter Capital Partners, LLC.

1997

Co-founded Ares Management Corporation

Co-founded Ares Management Corporation, a global alternative investment firm.

2021-2025

CEO and Co-Chairman

Served as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman of the board of directors of Ares Acquisition Corporation II.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare

David and Meredith Kaplan Presidential Chair

$10M

Established at Cedars-Sinai to advance healthcare leadership and innovation.

Healthcare

David and Meredith Kaplan Distinguished Chair in Children's Health

$5M

Established at Cedars-Sinai.

Healthcare

David and Meredith Kaplan Endowed Care Navigator in Emergency Medicine

$1.5M

Created at Cedars-Sinai.