Tell Me About Apollo Global Management Ceo.

Meet Leon Black, the Man Behind Apollo Global Management

Ever wondered who's at the helm of one of the world's largest alternative asset managers? Well, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's chat about Leon Black, the CEO of Apollo Global Management. Think of him as the captain of a massive investment ship, steering it through the sometimes choppy, sometimes calm waters of the global financial market.

From Art to Finance

Leon's journey is a bit like going from painting a masterpiece to building a skyscraper. He started his career at the prestigious art gallery, Christie's, where he learned the art of valuation and deal-making. But he didn't stop there. He moved on to work at the investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he honed his financial skills. It's like going from being a talented artist to becoming an architect who can design and build entire cities.

Apollo's Birth

In 1990, Leon, along with two other partners, founded Apollo Global Management. Imagine they were three friends who decided to start a lemonade stand, but instead of lemons, they used investments. Their first fund was just $27 million, about as small as a lemonade stand. Today, Apollo manages over $450 billion, which is like having a lemonade stand that's grown into a global franchise.

Apollo's Unique Recipe

Apollo's success isn't just about the numbers, though. It's about their unique approach to investing. They're like the chefs who create amazing dishes from ingredients others might ignore. Apollo buys undervalued companies, turns them around, and sells them at a profit. It's like finding a neglected old house, fixing it up, and selling it for a fair price. They've done this with companies in various sectors, from retail to healthcare.

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, "That's all interesting, but why should I care?" Well, here's why. Apollo's success means they've created jobs, stimulated economic growth, and even provided pensions for thousands of people. It's like they're the bakers who make the bread that feeds the community. Plus, their success has also meant returns for their investors, including many ordinary people who have their retirement savings in pension funds that invest with Apollo.

LIVE: CEO of Apollo Global Management Marc Rowan speaks to Reuters

Leon's Leadership Style

Leon is known for his hands-on approach. He's not the type of CEO who sits in an ivory tower, barking orders. He's more like the coach who's right there on the field, guiding his team. He's been known to roll up his sleeves and help out with the nitty-gritty details of a deal. He's also a family man, with a wife and four children, proving that even the busiest of CEOs can find time for what truly matters.

Looking Ahead

As Leon steps down from his CEO role in 2021, passing the baton to his long-time colleague Marc Rowan, we can't help but wonder what's next for him. Maybe he'll finally have time to paint that masterpiece he's been putting off. Or perhaps he'll find another way to make a mark on the world, like a lemonade stand owner who's always looking for the next big opportunity.

So, there you have it, folks. That's Leon Black, the man behind Apollo Global Management. Next time you hear about a company being turned around or a pension fund doing well, remember, there's a good chance Apollo, and Leon, had a hand in it.