Billionaire Profile
Marc Rowan
Global Rank
#514

Image: Mercatus Center | CC BY 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Marc Rowan

CEO, Private equity
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.514B
Estimated based on Private equity stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Private equity
Industry
Finance & Investments
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Marc Rowan is the CEO and Co-founder of Apollo Global Management, a leading private equity firm. With a background in mergers and acquisitions at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Rowan co-founded Apollo in 1990. As of March 2026, Bloomberg estimated his net worth at $9.77 billion, underscoring his significant impact in the finance industry. Rowan is known for his strategic leadership and contributions to Apollo's success, including expanding into credit markets and retirement services. His career reflects a commitment to operational discipline and strategic adaptations within the private equity landscape. Rowan is also actively involved in philanthropy, serving as Chair of the UJA-Federation of New York and supporting various Jewish causes.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Marc Jeffrey Rowan was born in 1962 and raised on Long Island, New York, later moving to Hollywood, Florida. His father worked in auto-leasing, and his mother was a teacher and concert pianist. Rowan is of Jewish descent.

He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business with a BS and an MBA in Finance (W'84, WG '85). During his studies, his family faced financial difficulties, but the university allowed him to complete his education.

Rise to Success

Rowan began his career in the mergers and acquisitions department at Drexel Burnham Lambert. In 1990, following the collapse of Drexel Burnham Lambert, Rowan co-founded Apollo Global Management with Leon Black and Josh Harris. He played a key role in the development of Apollo's credit business. In 2021, Rowan became the CEO of Apollo Global Management. Under his leadership, the company has grown, with the firm now managing assets across credit, equity, and real assets.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy under Rowan's leadership has been the expansion of Apollo into the private credit market. Apollo has also focused on building its retirement services and insurance-linked investments through partnerships.

Philanthropy

Rowan is actively involved in philanthropy, chairing the Board of UJA-Federation of New York, and supporting various Jewish causes and education initiatives. He has also been involved in the Civil Society Fellowship, a partnership of the Anti-Defamation League, and the Aspen Institute.

Career Milestones

1990

Co-founded Apollo Global Management

Co-founded the asset management firm with Leon Black and Josh Harris.

2021

Became CEO of Apollo Global Management

Assumed the role of CEO, succeeding Leon Black.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Jewish causes

UJA-Federation of New York

Undisclosed

Chair of the Board of UJA-Federation of New York.

Education

Wharton School of Business

$50M

Donated $50 million to Wharton School of Business in 2018

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Our job as investors in alternatives is to produce excess return per unit of risk out of every bit of misfortune. Actually comes opportunity""

"“Join me and many others who love UPenn by sending the university $1 in place of your normal discretionary contribution,""

Leadership Principles

Encouragement of Intellectual Insubordination

Actively encourages employees to challenge ideas and opinions, regardless of hierarchy.

Purchase Price Matters

Focus on value by being mindful of acquisition costs.

Market-Driven Strategy

Adapting investment strategies based on the opportunities in the market.

Controversies & Challenges

2025

Shareholder Lawsuit

Filed a class-action lawsuit against Apollo, Black, and Rowan, accusing them of concealing business dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.

2026

Withdrawal Restrictions

Apollo's private credit fund honored fewer than half of investor withdrawal requests.