Michael Arougheti: Ares Management CEO, Net Worth & Career Facts!

16 May, 2025

Ever wondered how some individuals amass fortunes that seem almost mythical? Michael J. Arougheti's journey to becoming a billionaire CEO offers a compelling narrative of strategic acumen and leadership in the world of alternative asset management. His story is not just about numbers; its a testament to the power of vision and execution in the high-stakes world of finance.

Michael J. Arougheti's career trajectory is a study in strategic leadership and financial expertise. As of May 8, 2025, his influence and financial standing are noteworthy. He arrived at Ares Management in 2004, tasked with the pivotal mission of building and expanding its private credit business. This move proved to be a cornerstone in Ares' growth story. Arougheti's dedication and vision culminated in his appointment as CEO in 2018, succeeding Antony Ressler, the firm's co-founder. This transition marked a new chapter for Ares, with Arougheti at the helm, steering the company towards unprecedented success.

Category	Information
Full Name	Michael J. Arougheti
Position	CEO and President of Ares Management Corporation
Arrival at Ares	2004
CEO Appointment	2018 (succeeded Antony Ressler)
Previous Employment	Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Managing Partner (2001-2004)
Ares Management Stake	1,400,000 shares
Estimated Value of Shares (May 8th)	More than $235,690,000
Salary as CEO	$16,850,000.00
Net Worth (Forbes, January 2024)	$1.8 Billion
Primary Source of Wealth	Stake in Ares Management
Assets Under Management (AUM) at Ares	Over $341 Billion
Committee Memberships	Ares Credit Group's Pathfinder Investment Committee, Ares Equity Income Opportunity Strategy Portfolio Review Committee, Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment Lending and Investment Committees
Additional Roles at Ares	Helps oversee corporate acquisitions, commercial real estate, and lending and investment committees
Board Membership	Director/board member at Ares Capital Corporation
Reference Link	Ares Management Official Website

Arougheti's financial success is inextricably linked to his leadership at Ares Management. As of May 8th, he directly owns a significant portion of the company's stock. Specifically, he holds 1,400,000 shares of Ares Management stock, an investment valued at over $235,690,000. This substantial holding underscores his vested interest in the company's performance and his alignment with its long-term strategic goals. However, it's important to note that this figure represents only a fraction of his total wealth, as it excludes other potential investments and assets held by Mr. Arougheti.

Beyond his stock holdings, Arougheti's compensation as CEO of Ares Management reflects his critical role in the company's success. He receives an annual salary of $16,850,000.00, a testament to his leadership and the value he brings to the organization. This substantial income is a clear indicator of the responsibilities and expectations placed upon him as the head of one of the world's leading alternative asset management firms.

According to Forbes, as of January 2024, Michael J. Arougheti's estimated net worth stands at a staggering $1.8 billion. This impressive figure places him among the wealthiest individuals globally. His wealth is not merely a result of his position; it is primarily derived from his significant stake in Ares Management. He owns these shares through various entities and trusts, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to managing his assets and investments. This substantial ownership stake highlights the direct correlation between his leadership and the financial success of Ares Management.

Aroughetis journey to the top echelons of the financial world began long before his tenure as CEO. Prior to joining Ares in 2004, he honed his skills and expertise at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). From 2001, he served as a managing partner at RBC and was an integral member of the banks investment group. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in investment strategies, financial analysis, and risk management, all of which have been crucial to his success at Ares Management.

Under Arougheti's guidance as CEO and President, Ares Management has experienced remarkable growth. The firm now manages over $341 billion in assets, solidifying its position as one of the worlds largest alternative asset management firms. This expansion is a direct result of Arougheti's strategic vision, leadership capabilities, and ability to navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape. His tenure has been marked by innovation, growth, and a commitment to delivering value to Ares' clients and stakeholders.

A significant portion of Aroughetis net worth is attributed to his ownership stake in Ares Management. This includes over 24,386 units of company stock, which alone are worth over $4 billion. This substantial holding further underscores his deep commitment to the company's success and his alignment with its long-term objectives. His investment in Ares is not just financial; it's a reflection of his belief in the company's potential and his confidence in its future.

Arougheti's influence extends beyond his role as CEO. He is an active member of several key committees within Ares Management. He serves on the Ares Credit Group's Pathfinder Investment Committee, the Ares Equity Income Opportunity Strategy Portfolio Review Committee, and the Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment Lending and Investment Committees. These roles allow him to shape the company's investment strategies and ensure that Ares remains at the forefront of the alternative asset management industry. In addition, Arougheti plays a crucial role in overseeing corporate acquisitions, commercial real estate, and lending and investment committees at Ares. His involvement in these areas highlights his comprehensive understanding of the business and his ability to make informed decisions that drive the company's growth.

While Michael Arougheti is making headlines for his financial achievements, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of other key figures in the world of finance. Antony Ressler, the co-founder of Ares Management and Arougheti's predecessor as CEO, has an estimated net worth of $11.9 billion, according to Grizzly Bulls Billionaires Index. Ressler's vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing Ares Management as a leading player in the alternative asset management industry. He stepped down as CEO in December 2017 and transitioned to the role of executive chairman, continuing to provide strategic guidance to the company.

The world of billionaires is often filled with stories of innovation, ambition, and strategic decision-making. Bernie Ecclestone, for example, once held the reins of the Formula One Group but was eventually replaced by John C. Malone after Liberty Medias acquisition of the group in 2016. Ecclestone, with a net worth of $3.4 billion, represents another facet of the high-stakes world of business and finance.

Ares Management itself has a rich history. It was co-founded in 1997 as a private equity firm. Over the years, it has evolved into a global alternative investment manager with a diversified portfolio. The company's success is a testament to the vision and expertise of its founders and the leadership of individuals like Michael Arougheti, who have guided it through periods of growth and transformation.

While Arougheti's personal net worth is substantial, it is dwarfed by the combined wealth of some of the world's richest families. Their collective net worth can reach staggering heights, reflecting the accumulation of wealth over generations and the power of long-term investments.

David B. Kaplan, another key figure at Ares Management, also holds a significant stake in the company. As of March 4th, 2025, Kaplan's estimated net worth is at least $4.80 million. He owns 30,474 shares of Ares Management stock, valued at more than $4,800,386 as of May 2nd. Kaplan's financial success is a testament to his contributions to the company and his ability to create value for its shareholders.

The success of Ares Management has also attracted the attention of other individuals and institutions. Private debt managers have increasingly turned to wealthy individuals for fundraising, recognizing the potential for significant returns and the stability of this asset class. Ares Management's retail and high net worth channel has seen substantial growth, with assets under management (AUM) exceeding $50 billion.

In the broader context of financial services, companies like Ryan, a firm specializing in business taxes, have also achieved significant success. With an estimated revenue of $630 million in 2020 and a client base spanning 60 countries, Ryan demonstrates the potential for growth and profitability in niche areas of the financial industry.

The career and net worth of Michael J. Arougheti serve as a compelling case study in leadership, strategic decision-making, and financial acumen. His journey from the Royal Bank of Canada to the helm of Ares Management is a testament to his skills and vision. As CEO, he has guided Ares to unprecedented growth, solidifying its position as a global leader in alternative asset management. His story is not just about personal wealth; it's about the impact of leadership and the power of strategic investments in shaping the financial landscape.

Exploring Michael Arougheti (CEO Of Ares Management) Wikipedia, Career And Net Worth

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