Marc Rowan
Born 1962 · Age 63
American investor; co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management; philanthropist and University of Pennsylvania alumnus.
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Life & Career Timeline
Family background: parents and grandfather (context)
Mother Barbara Rowan — teacher and trained concert pianist; father worked in auto-leasing; grandfather Emanuel Stein was an economics professor at NYU.
Born in New York (to a Jewish family)
Marc Jeffrey Rowan was born to a Jewish family. Raised initially on Long Island.
Raised on Long Island, later moved to Hollywood, Florida (childhood)
Raised on Long Island, later moved with family to Hollywood, Florida and attended high school, traveling between New York and Florida.
Entered the University of Pennsylvania (estimated)
Began studies at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (exact matriculation year not specified in sources; estimated based on birth year).
Family financial hardship during college (tuition accommodation)
After his father passed away and the family couldn't afford tuition, the University of Pennsylvania allowed Rowan to finish his studies and pay later.
Joined Drexel Burnham Lambert — M&A group (approx.)
Rowan joined Drexel Burnham Lambert in the mergers & acquisitions department, working in New York City and Los Angeles. (Start year estimated based on post-graduation timing.)
Graduated from Wharton (BS and MBA) — summa cum laude, valedictorian (approx.)
Rowan graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; described as first in his class and valedictorian. (Exact graduation year not specified; year shown is estimated.)
Drexel Burnham Lambert collapsed
Drexel Burnham Lambert, where Rowan worked in M&A, collapsed in 1990 — prompting Drexel alumni to start new ventures.
Co-founded Apollo Global Management
Co-founded Apollo Global Management with former Drexel colleagues Leon Black and Josh (Joshua) Harris.
Early Apollo operating phase (building the firm)
Apollo began operating as an asset management/private equity firm after its founding, deploying leveraged finance and distressed-assets strategies.
Apollo Global Management IPO (listed on NYSE)
Apollo began trading publicly on the New York Stock Exchange; founders (Black, Harris, Rowan) together owned a controlling stake reported at ~58% at the IPO.
Purchased 927 Fifth Avenue 'Brutalist' townhouse (~$26M)
Reported purchase of a notable New York property (described as a 'Brutalist masterpiece') for about $26 million.
Mother Barbara Rowan died (obituary published)
Barbara J. Rowan, Marc Rowan's mother, passed away; obituaries published (June 2014).
Donated $50 million to Wharton School (Penn)
Rowan donated $50 million to the Wharton School to fund leading academics and focus on the Penn Wharton Budget Model.
Donated $1,000,000 to Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign (with spouse)
Rowan and his spouse contributed $1 million to Donald Trump's 2020 campaign (reported by Forbes).
Hamptons restaurants ownership emerges as focus
Rowan owns multiple eateries in The Hamptons and used his semi-sabbatical time to work on those businesses.
Apollo AUM crosses $400 billion; Rowan takes a semi-sabbatical
Apollo's assets under management crossed $400 billion; Rowan took a 'semi-sabbatical', remaining involved in strategy and boards and focusing on other interests (including Hamptons restaurants).
Accepted CEO role at Apollo Global Management
Rowan took over as CEO of Apollo Global Management (after Leon Black's departure earlier and transition activity in the firm).
Co-founder Josh Harris steps down from Apollo (after CEO consideration)
Joshua Harris stepped down from Apollo Global after reportedly not becoming CEO; a firm leadership change in 2021 followed Rowan's appointment.
Penn 'Palestine Writes' controversy and donor activism begins
Following the Palestine Writes conference at the University of Pennsylvania, Rowan organized donor action and signed letters urging stronger response to alleged antisemitism at the festival.
Featured in Wall Street Journal story about donor pressure on Penn
WSJ published coverage on Rowan's donor-led push to force changes at his alma mater over perceived inadequate response to antisemitism after Hamas-led attacks in 2023.
Led campaign to remove Penn president and board chair (donor pressure)
Rowan led a campaign among Penn donors to have University President Liz Magill and Board Chair Scott Bok removed for what he perceived as an insufficient response to antisemitism; he pushed for resignations and reforms.
Hosted fundraiser for Rep. Virginia Foxx
Rowan hosted a fundraiser for Republican Representative and House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx.
University of Pennsylvania leadership changes (Magill resignation)
Following donor pressure that Rowan helped lead, Penn's president Liz Magill and trustees' chair faced calls; media reported leadership changes in December 2023.
Family & personal life (ongoing)
Married to fashion designer Carolyn Pleva (met on blind date); they live in New York City and have four children. Owns and operates restaurants in the Hamptons.
Ongoing roles: Chair/CEO of Apollo; board positions and philanthropy (ongoing)
Rowan serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Apollo Global Management; serves on the board of Athene Holding Ltd.; Chair of Board of Advisors at Wharton; Chair of UJA-Federation of New York; founding Chair of Youth Renewal Fund; Vice Chair of Darca; Executive Committee member of Civil Society Fellowship.
Apollo loan to Canary Wharf (large financing transaction)
Apollo (under leadership that includes Rowan) agreed financing/loan transactions to support Canary Wharf; reported as large loans (reported in 2024 coverage).
FT reports controversy over a Hamptons lobster-shack purchase
Financial Times reported in August 2024 on issues arising after a billionaire (Rowan) bought a lobster shack in the Hamptons (coverage of his restaurant holdings).
Interviewed for U.S. Treasury Secretary nomination
Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, President Trump interviewed Rowan for the possible nomination as U.S. Treasury Secretary (reported Nov 2024).
Apollo shares fell on nomination news; Rowan owned 6% of Apollo stock
Markets reacted to reports of Rowan being considered for Treasury Secretary; Barron's reported Apollo shares fell because Rowan owns roughly 6% of outstanding Apollo stock and might need to divest if confirmed.
Forbes net worth estimate published: $8.8 billion
Forbes estimated Marc Rowan's net worth at $8.8 billion (published November 21, 2024).
Alternative net worth estimate reported (Mabumbe): $9.1B
Secondary source reported a $9.1 billion net worth estimate (Dec 11, 2024); included here as a less-certain alternate estimate.
Key Achievement Ages
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