Early Life
Josh Harris was born on December 29, 1964, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He graduated from The Field School in Washington, D.C., in 1982. He attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences before transferring to the Wharton School to study economics, graduating summa cum laude in 1986. He then pursued an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a Baker Loeb Scholar, graduating in 1990.
Rise to Success
Harris began his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert as a mergers and acquisitions analyst. In 1990, he co-founded Apollo Global Management with Leon Black and Marc Rowan. Over three decades, Harris played a key role in building Apollo into a leading global alternative investment manager. He was involved in significant private equity investments, including the LyondellBasell transaction, which generated substantial profits. Harris stepped down from Apollo in 2022 and founded 26North, an alternative asset management firm.
Key Business Strategies
Harris is known for his strategic approach to investment, focusing on building excellent teams and strong cultures. He emphasizes a culture of excellence and mission-driven work, recognizing that culture and people are critical for success in the investment world and sports. He has expanded his influence into sports by acquiring and managing several professional teams through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). He is committed to creating a positive fan experience and giving back to the community.
Philanthropy
Josh Harris and his wife, Marjorie, founded Harris Philanthropies in 2014. The foundation focuses on supporting youth and community development, sports, wellness, and education, and they have become one of the largest supporters of after-school sports programs, helping over 100,000 youth annually.