Josh Harris: Net Worth 2023 [21 July 2023] [Early Life, Controversy, Business Ventures, Biography]

About Josh Harris

Josh Harris, a trailblazing figure in the world of private equity, has carved an impressive path to success through his business acumen and strategic investments. As the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, one of the largest and most influential private equity firms globally, Harris has amassed a considerable net worth. In this article, we delve into the life and career of Josh Harris, exploring his early beginnings, tracing the milestones of his rise in the financial industry, and uncovering the sources of his substantial net worth.

Josh Harris Early Life and Education

Joshua J. Harris was born on August 5, 1965, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional intelligence and a keen interest in finance and investments. Harris attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the Wharton School of Business. During his time at Wharton, Harris honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success in the financial sector.

The Founding of Apollo Global Management

After completing his studies, Josh Harris joined the investment banking division of Drexel Burnham Lambert, a prominent Wall Street firm. It was during this time that Harris had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of legendary financier Michael Milken, who played a pivotal role in shaping Harris’s understanding of leveraged buyouts and private equity.

In 1990, along with his fellow Wharton alum and investment banker Leon Black, Harris co-founded Apollo Global Management. The firm’s name was inspired by the Greek god Apollo, the god of light and truth, reflecting Harris’s vision for a company that would illuminate opportunities in the financial landscape. From its inception, Apollo Global Management aimed to invest in distressed debt, leveraged buyouts, and other alternative investments.

Milestones and Accomplishments

Early Success in Distressed Debt Investments: In the early 1990s, Apollo made a name for itself by investing in distressed debt and capitalizing on market dislocations. The firm’s wise approach to these investments allowed it to generate significant returns and attract attention from prominent investors.

Expansion into Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity: As Apollo’s reputation grew, its focus expanded to include leveraged buyouts and private equity investments. The acquisition of struggling companies at attractive valuations and the implementation of strategic improvements became a hallmark of Apollo’s approach to creating value for its investors.

Going Public and Continued Growth: In 2011, Apollo Global Management went public, listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The initial public offering (IPO) was one of the largest ever for a private equity firm. The move not only provided liquidity to the firm’s founders and early investors but also enhanced Apollo’s profile in the financial markets.

Diversified Investment Strategies: Under Harris’s leadership, Apollo Global Management diversified its investment strategies to include real estate, credit, and infrastructure investments. The firm’s ability to adapt and innovate across various asset classes contributed to its sustained success.

Josh Harris Net Worth

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Josh Harris’s net worth was estimated to be several billion dollars.

Ownership Stake in Apollo Global Management: As one of the co-founders of Apollo Global Management, Harris holds a significant ownership stake in the firm. His shares in the publicly traded company have contributed substantially to his net worth.

Investment Gains and Performance Fees: As the head of Apollo’s private equity division, Harris benefits from the performance fees the firm charges its investors when investments generate profits. These performance fees, commonly referred to as carried interest, are a crucial component of the income of senior executives at private equity firms.

Dividends and Distributions: Apollo Global Management generates revenue from managing investment funds and charging management fees. As a major shareholder in the firm, Harris receives dividends and distributions from the company’s profits.

Personal Investments and Diversified Portfolio: Beyond his stake in Apollo, Harris has made personal investments in various asset classes, including real estate, technology startups, and sports franchises. These investments contribute to the diversification of his wealth portfolio.

Family Background and Personal Life of Josh Harris

Josh Harris was born on August 5, 1965, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. While much of his personal life is kept private, it is known that Harris is married to Marjorie Harris, and they have three children together. The couple shares a deep bond and has maintained a relatively low profile in the media. They prioritize their family life, and Harris is often seen as a devoted husband and father.

Harris’s dedication to his family is reflected in his philanthropic efforts. Alongside his wife, he has supported various charitable initiatives and community projects focused on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Their commitment to giving back to society underscores the values they hold dear as a family.

Controversies in the Financial Industry

Apollo Global Management’s Ties to Jeffrey Epstein: One of the most notable controversies that Josh Harris faced in recent years was Apollo Global Management’s ties to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes, had maintained relationships with prominent figures in various industries, including finance. In 2019, it was reported that Epstein had provided personal tax advice to Leon Black, Harris’s co-founder at Apollo.

The revelation of Epstein’s involvement with Apollo raised questions and concerns, leading to internal investigations within the firm. Apollo’s leadership acknowledged that Epstein had provided some advice on trust and estate planning for Leon Black’s family, but they maintained that Epstein was never involved in the business or investments of Apollo.

NBA Ownership Bid Controversy: In 2011, Josh Harris and a group of investors purchased the Philadelphia 76ers, a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The ownership group faced scrutiny during the acquisition process, as some fans and observers expressed concerns about the potential relocation of the team to another city. However, Harris and his fellow investors reassured the public that they were committed to keeping the team in Philadelphia.

Athene Holding Merger: In 2020, Apollo Global Management announced its intention to merge with Athene Holding, a leading retirement services company in which Apollo held a significant stake. The merger aimed to streamline the relationship between the two firms and create synergies in their businesses. However, the proposed merger faced regulatory scrutiny, with concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest and corporate governance issues. Critics questioned whether the merger was in the best interest of all shareholders, including those of Apollo and Athene.

Conclusion

Josh Harris’s journey from a young Wharton graduate to the co-founder of one of the most influential private equity firms in the world is a testament to his vision, intelligence, and business acumen. Through Apollo Global Management, Harris has made significant contributions to the financial industry and has amassed an impressive net worth. His leadership and strategic investments have solidified his status as a titan in the private equity sector, shaping the firm’s growth and defining the landscape of alternative investments. As he continues to navigate the ever-changing financial markets, Josh Harris’s influence and net worth are likely to remain significant in the world of finance and beyond.