David B. Kaplan is an American businessman, a co-founder and Partner of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), a global alternative asset manager. His wealth is rooted in the high-stakes world of private equity and leveraged finance. Kaplan's education and early career were tailored for this highly specialized financial sector.

His career began at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp. in investment banking. The crucial period was his long tenure at Apollo Management (1991–2000), where he served as a senior partner, specializing in complex financial restructurings and private equity investments. This experience in distressed situations and corporate turnarounds provided the necessary expertise and network to launch his own successful alternative asset management firm.

David Kaplan co-founded Ares Management Corporation in 1997 (joining in 2003) alongside other partners, building a platform that became a global powerhouse in alternative assets. His role is instrumental: he serves as a Director and Partner and is Co-Head of Ares' Private Equity Group. He is a key member of numerous Ares Investment Committees, including the Corporate Opportunities, Energy Opportunities, and the Extended Value Investment Committees, reflecting his broad expertise.

Under his leadership, Ares has grown to manage hundreds of billions of dollars in assets. Kaplan's success is built on his mastery of distressed debt, leveraged buyouts, and strategic private equity investments. His wealth is tied to the firm's continued success in generating superior returns across its diverse investment platforms. He is also the Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ares Acquisition Corporation II, demonstrating his focus on SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies) and complex corporate financing.

David Kaplan's social impact is structural, stemming from Ares Management's role in the global capital markets, providing essential financing and restructuring to large corporations globally. His work in distressed debt often involves stabilizing companies during periods of financial crisis, preserving thousands of jobs.

His personal philanthropy supports various educational and health initiatives. His career is a testament to the immense profitability and power derived from mastering the complex, high-stakes world of alternative asset management.

David Kaplan maintains the highly professional, disciplined style of a top-tier private equity executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring dark, tailored business suits. His aesthetic is one of stability and composed authority, reflecting his expertise in complex leveraged finance.

His luxury is the immense security and financial power derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is defined by his commitment to the high-stakes world of private equity, leveraging his expertise to acquire and grow major corporate assets globally.