How Did Antony Ressler Make His Money?

Antony Ressler’s Profile Summary

Company	Ares Management Corporation
Position	Executive Chairman
Source of wealth	Private Equity and Investment Management
Also known as	Tony Ressler
Age	64
Education	MBA from Columbia University
Citizenship	USA
Residence	Los Angeles, California
Family	Married, three children
Website, Social Media	https://www.aresmgmt.com https://x.com/ATLHawks https://www.facebook.com/AresManagement

Antony Ressler’s biography

Antony "Tony" Ressler, born on October 12, 1960, in Washington D.C., is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist. Raised in a Jewish family, he is one of five children of Dorothy and Ira Ressler, an attorney and World War II veteran. Ressler earned a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and an MBA from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business.

Beginning his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Ressler rose to the position of Senior Vice President in the high-yield bond department, overseeing the new issue/syndicate desk. In 1990, following Drexel's collapse, he co-founded Apollo Global Management with Leon Black and other colleagues, focusing on leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. In 1997, seeking greater autonomy, Ressler co-founded Ares Management with John H. Kissick and Bennett Rosenthal, specializing in alternative asset management across credit, private equity, and real estate.

Under his leadership, Ares Management has grown into a leading global alternative asset manager, with approximately $352 billion in assets under management as of 2021. Beyond finance, Ressler is the principal owner and chairman of the Atlanta Hawks NBA team, having purchased the franchise in 2015 for approximately $850 million. He is also known for his philanthropic endeavors, serving on the boards of various institutions, including the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Ressler is married to actress Jami Gertz, with whom he has three sons. The couple is actively involved in charitable activities, notably through the Gertz-Ressler High Academy, part of Alliance College-Ready Public Schools. As of January 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $12.6 billion.

How did Antony Ressler make money?
Antony "Tony" Ressler built his wealth primarily through private equity and investment management. He began his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert in the 1980s, working in the high-yield bond department. This experience in dealing with distressed assets and leveraged buyouts laid the foundation for his future success. After Drexel’s collapse in 1990, Ressler co-founded Apollo Global Management with Leon Black and other former colleagues. Apollo focused on acquiring undervalued or distressed companies and turning them around for profit, becoming one of the most successful private equity firms in the world.

In 1997, Ressler left Apollo to co-found Ares Management Corporation with John Kissick and Bennett Rosenthal. Ares was established with the goal of creating a more diversified alternative asset management firm. The company grew rapidly, managing investments across credit, private equity, and real estate. Under Ressler’s leadership, Ares became a global leader in alternative investments. As of 2021, Ares Management had over $350 billion in assets under management.

A significant portion of Ressler’s wealth comes from his ownership stake in Ares Management, which went public in 2014. The firm's success and continued growth have made him a billionaire. Additionally, in 2015, Ressler led a group of investors to purchase the Atlanta Hawks, an NBA franchise, for approximately $850 million. The team's value has since grown significantly, further contributing to his fortune.

Ressler’s business success stems from his ability to identify undervalued assets, execute strategic investments, and grow his firms into global powerhouses in the financial industry. His wealth is a result of decades of disciplined investment, leadership, and risk management in the private equity sector.
What is Antony Ressler net worth?

As of 2025, Antony Ressler’s net worth is estimated to be $12.2 B.

What is Antony Ressler also known as?

Tony Ressler is recognized as a co-founder of Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, influential firms in private equity and asset management. He is also known as the principal owner of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and for his philanthropic contributions alongside his wife, actress Jami Gertz.

Prominent achievements of Antony Ressler

Tony Ressler co-founded two major investment firms, Apollo Global Management and Ares Management, significantly influencing the private equity industry. He led the acquisition of the Atlanta Hawks, enhancing the franchise's value, and is recognized for substantial philanthropic contributions, particularly in education and healthcare.

What are Antony Ressler’s key insights?

Tony Ressler emphasizes diversified investment strategies and prudent risk management. He believes in leveraging market inefficiencies and maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing economic landscapes, which has been instrumental in the growth of his investment firms.

Antony Ressler’s personal life

Tony Ressler is married to actress Jami Gertz since 1989. The couple has three sons: Oliver, Nicholas, and Theo. They are known for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and health sectors, and reside in Los Angeles, California.

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.