Early Life
Michael Rees was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Rise to Success
Rees began his career at Lehman Brothers in 2001. He later became a founding employee and shareholder of Neuberger Berman Group, contributing to the management buyout from Lehman Brothers. In 2011, Rees founded Dyal Capital. Dyal Capital merged with Owl Rock Capital Partners in 2021, forming Blue Owl Capital, a multi-strategy alternative asset manager. He currently serves as the co-president and head of the GP Strategic Capital platform at Blue Owl Capital. His platform is known for buying minority stakes in over 60 private equity firms.
Key Business Strategies
Rees focuses on investing in long-lasting businesses and building partnerships with firms for the long term. Under his leadership, Blue Owl's GP Strategic Capital platform has grown to manage assets of over $66 billion. His division also invests in professional sports teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks.
Philanthropy
Rees and his wife, Allison, are actively involved in philanthropy. In 2023, they donated $3 million to the New Canaan Library, and the Children's Room was renamed The Rees Family Children's Library. Rees also serves on the boards of The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and The Opportunity Network.
