LeaderPortfolio
Kaplan
David Kaplan
Rank #2139
UNITED STATESFinance InvestmentsFinance

David Kaplan

Net Worth
$1.922B
-1.1% (24h)
David Kaplan is a prominent figure in the finance industry, recognized for his acumen in investment strategies and his role as co-founder of Ares Management. As of November 2024, his net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion. His career has encompassed key positions at Apollo Management and Shelter Capital Partners before co-founding Ares Management in 1997. He is also involved in philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare organizations.

How to read David Kaplan's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For David Kaplan, we anchor the narrative to Finance and Finance, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $1.922B alongside global rank #2139, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

David Kaplan was born into a Jewish family. His father was a surgeon and his mother was a clinical social worker. He graduated cum laude from Cornell University in 1978 and earned his law degree from New York University in 1981.

Rise to Success

Kaplan's career includes significant roles at Apollo Management and Shelter Capital Partners. He is the co-founder and director of Ares Management Corporation, a global alternative investment firm. He has been with Ares since 2003, overseeing the firm's credit, private equity, and real assets strategies. He also served as Co-Chairman and CEO of Ares Acquisition Corporation II from March 2021 to September 2025.

Key Business Strategies

Kaplan's success stems from his strategic investments and financial acumen. He has been instrumental in the growth of Ares Management, which manages $596 billion in assets. Kaplan has diversified his investments, holding a stake in the Chicago Cubs baseball team. He also co-hosts the sports radio show "Kap and J. Hood" on ESPN 1000.

Philanthropy

Kaplan is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting education and healthcare organizations. He believes in the importance of shared prosperity and giving back to society.

Career Timeline

2021-2025

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chairman of the board of directors

Ares Acquisition Corporation II.

2003-Present

Cofounder, Director and Partner

Ares Management Corporation.

2000-2003

Senior Principal

Shelter Capital Partners, LLC.

1991-2000

Senior Partner

Apollo Management, L.P. and its affiliates.

Philanthropic Impact

PhilanthropyUndisclosed

Supports Education and Healthcare

Kaplan supports education and healthcare organizations.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Ares Management Corp

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

David Kaplan was born into a Jewish family. His father was a surgeon and his mother was a clinical social worker. He graduated cum laude from Cornell University in 1978 and earned his law degree from New York University in 1981.

Rise to Success

Kaplan's career includes significant roles at Apollo Management and Shelter Capital Partners. He is the co-founder and director of Ares Management Corporation, a global alternative investment firm. He has been with Ares since 2003, overseeing the firm's credit, private equity, and real assets strategies. He also served as Co-Chairman and CEO of Ares Acquisition Corporation II from March 2021 to September 2025.

Key Business Strategies

Kaplan's success stems from his strategic investments and financial acumen. He has been instrumental in the growth of Ares Management, which manages $596 billion in assets. Kaplan has diversified his investments, holding a stake in the Chicago Cubs baseball team. He also co-hosts the sports radio show "Kap and J. Hood" on ESPN 1000.

Philanthropy

Kaplan is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting education and healthcare organizations. He believes in the importance of shared prosperity and giving back to society.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for David Kaplan are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.