How Did Marc Rowan Make His Money?

Marc Rowan’s Profile Summary

Company	Apollo Global Management
Position	Co-founder and CEO
Source of wealth	Private equity investments via Apollo Global Management Real estate investments Restaurant ownership
Also known as	Philanthropist, Real Estate Investor
Age	62
Education	University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School – Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Citizenship	United States
Residence	New York City
Family	Spouse: Carolyn Pleva, 4 children
Website, Social Media	https://www.apollo.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/posts/apollo-global-management-inc_on-friday-ceo-marc-rowan-participated-in-activity-7025858317407121410-3tOT/

Marc Rowan’s biography

Marc Rowan is an American billionaire investor, co-founder, and CEO of Apollo Global Management, a leading global alternative investment firm. Born on August 19, 1962, in New York City and raised in Florida, he graduated summa cum laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with both a bachelor's and MBA in finance. He began his career in mergers and acquisitions at Drexel Burnham Lambert, and after its collapse, co-founded Apollo in 1990 with Leon Black and Josh Harris.

Under Rowan’s leadership, Apollo evolved into one of the largest private equity firms in the world, managing over $700 billion in assets as of 2025. Known for his calm and measured approach, he took over as CEO in 2021, bringing strategic focus to Apollo’s expansion in insurance, credit, and retirement services. His personal net worth is estimated at over $7 billion, primarily due to his equity stake in the firm.

Outside of finance, Rowan is a dedicated philanthropist and education advocate. He donated $50 million to the Wharton School, serves on the University of Pennsylvania’s Board of Trustees, and chairs the UJA-Federation of New York. He is also involved in education initiatives in Israel and owns several restaurants in the Hamptons. Rowan lives in New York City with his wife, Carolyn Pleva, and their four children.

How did Marc Rowan make money?
What is Marc Rowan net worth?

As of 2025, Marc Rowan’s net worth is estimated to be $7.5B.

What is Marc Rowan also known as?

Rowan is recognized for his vast philanthropic efforts, particularly through his work with the Youth Renewal Fund and his donations to Wharton. In addition to his financial leadership, Rowan has investments in real estate, including properties in New York City and the Hamptons, and a portfolio of restaurants

Prominent achievements of Marc Rowan

Co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990
Instrumental in Apollo's $548 billion asset growth
Donated $50 million to Wharton School for academic development
Active in various philanthropic and educational causes

What are Marc Rowan’s key insights?

Marc Rowan emphasizes strategic risk management and long-term growth. He advocates for adapting to market fluctuations and prioritizing investments that generate sustainable returns over time. His leadership at Apollo is marked by a shift towards private credit and other alternative assets

Marc Rowan’s personal life

Spouse: Carolyn Pleva, a fashion designer
Children: Four children

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.