Marc Rowan, born August 19, 1962, is 62 years old as of 2025—and his net worth is estimated at a staggering $6.5 billion. As the CEO and co-founder of Apollo Global Management, Rowan has built one of the most powerful private equity firms in the world, with over $500 billion in assets under management. But his story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about resilience, strategic thinking, and navigating both Wall Street and scandal.
Let’s dive into how Rowan rose through the ranks, what drives Apollo’s success, and where his fortune stands today.
How Did Marc Rowan Start His Career?
Rowan’s journey started at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated summa cum laude with both a BS and MBA from the Wharton School—an early sign of his laser-sharp focus. He wasted no time entering the financial world, joining the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at Drexel Burnham Lambert, working across New York and Los Angeles.
But the timing was intense. Between 1989 and 1990, Drexel Burnham collapsed under legal and financial scrutiny, largely tied to the junk bond market. Marc worked under multiple executives who were later convicted and jailed, including Dennis Levine, Marty Siegel, and the infamous Michael Milken.
Rowan later joked, “I worked directly for Dennis Levine, who went to jail. I then went to work for Marty Siegel, who also went to jail. I then moved out to California to work for Mike Milken, who also went to jail.” Despite the chaos, the experience shaped him—and connected him with future collaborators.
What Led to the Creation of Apollo Global Management?
In 1990, fresh from Drexel’s downfall, Rowan co-founded Apollo Global Management alongside Leon Black, Joshua Harris, and Antony Ressler—all former Drexel colleagues. Their vision was bold: invest in struggling companies, turn them around, and sell at a profit. This “loan-to-own” or “distressed-to-control” model became Apollo’s signature move.
From modest beginnings, Apollo exploded into a global powerhouse. By 2022, it managed more than $512.8 billion in assets. As of 2025, Apollo is still going strong—thanks in no small part to Rowan’s strategic leadership.
What Does Apollo Global Invest In?
Apollo doesn’t stick to one lane. Its investment portfolio spans across:
- Private Equity
- Credit
- Real Assets (like real estate and infrastructure)
Notable acquisitions over the years include:
- ADT Security
- Legendary Entertainment
- University of Phoenix
- Shutterfly
- Rackspace
- McGraw-Hill Education (bought for $2.5 billion, sold in 2020)
- Yahoo Inc.
Apollo also took bold moves during economic downturns—snatching up undervalued companies, restructuring them, and flipping them for big returns. That’s how Rowan and his team helped the firm grow from $10 billion AUM in 1999 to more than 50x that today.
How Much of Apollo Does Marc Rowan Own?
Marc Rowan owns roughly 6.1% of Apollo’s common equity. That alone is worth billions. But here’s the kicker—he’s received at least $1.5 billion in cash distributions from Apollo through stock sales, dividends, and profit-sharing. This includes payouts prior to the firm’s 2011 IPO, which further boosted his wealth once Apollo shares hit the New York Stock Exchange (ticker: APO).
His stake not only gives him financial security but also considerable influence over Apollo’s long-term direction.
Why Did Marc Rowan Take Over as CEO?
In June 2021, Rowan stepped into the CEO role, succeeding his co-founder Leon Black, who resigned following a controversial scandal. Black had paid convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein around $158 million for tax and estate planning between 2012 and 2017—raising major questions within Apollo and beyond.
Marc’s reputation for being low-profile but highly competent made him the natural successor. Since taking the reins, he’s helped stabilize the firm’s image and continue its growth.
What’s Marc Rowan’s Personal Life Like?
Despite his billionaire status, Marc Rowan keeps a relatively low public profile. He is married to Carolyn Pieva, and the couple has made some high-profile real estate moves over the years. In 2012, they sold a Southampton oceanfront mansion for $28.5 million and, around the same time, purchased a Manhattan co-op for $26 million.
Marc is also active in philanthropy. In 2018, he donated a whopping $50 million to Wharton, his alma mater. The gift helped support entrepreneurship and leadership programs, further reinforcing his commitment to education and innovation.
What Sets Marc Rowan Apart from Other Billionaires?
While many billionaires opt for the spotlight, Rowan is more reserved. He’s not the type to headline conferences or chase fame. Instead, he’s known for being analytical, strategic, and extremely focused on performance. His experience surviving Drexel’s collapse gave him a tough edge, but it also taught him how to build something lasting from the rubble.
And clearly, he’s done just that—with $6.5 billion to show for it.
