Leon Black's Biography

Leon Black is a renowned American billionaire investor, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s largest alternative investment firms. Born on July 31, 1951, Black built his reputation in the finance world through his keen business acumen, strategic risk-taking, and deep understanding of private equity. After earning his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School, he began his career at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he played a key role under the mentorship of Michael Milken. Black’s first major breakthrough was his leadership at Drexel, which set the stage for the creation of Apollo in 1990. Under his guidance, Apollo became a powerhouse in private equity, credit, and real estate investments, managing billions in assets globally. Known for his passion for art and philanthropy, Black has made headlines with notable art acquisitions and significant charitable donations, particularly to arts and educational institutions. Despite his many achievements, Black's career has not been without controversy, most notably his association with Jeffrey Epstein, which led to increased scrutiny and his eventual resignation from Apollo. Today, Leon Black remains a prominent figure in finance, art, and philanthropy, with a net worth of approximately $8.9 billion as of 2024. His legacy includes not only his business success but also his impact on the art world and philanthropic efforts.