Ares Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ares has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to delivering tailored investment solutions, Ares operates as a leading global alternative investment manager, providing clients with complementary primary and secondary investment strategies across credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure asset classes.

Leadership Roles at Ares

  • Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Director - Michael Arougheti
  • Director, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Arougheti
  • Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Ares Real Estate Group and Ares Private Equity Group - Tae-Sik Yoon
  • Partner & Chief Financial Officer - Jarrod Phillips
  • Chief Financial Officer & Public Credit Funds, Finance & Accounting Partner - Scott Lem
  • Partner and Global Chief Operating Officer of Ares Real Estate - Elaine McKay
  • Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Global Client Solutions - Hillary Mow
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Department of Finance - Lucas Fregapani
  • Vice President and Chief of Staff To Co-Founder - Loretta Younkin
  • Chief Revenue Officer, Department of Finance - Amanda Frierson
  • Michael Arougheti - Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Director

    Michael Arougheti, the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Director at Ares, architects the firm's overarching strategy and directs its global operations. Overseeing all primary and secondary investment solutions across credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure, Arougheti ensures alignment with the company's mission to provide clients with superior investment outcomes. This leadership role involves driving innovation in alternative asset management and expanding market reach. By fostering a culture of excellence, Michael Arougheti directly impacts the firm's growth and financial performance. Ultimately, Arougheti secures long-term value for stakeholders through strategic capital allocation and robust operational frameworks.
    Michael Arougheti

    Michael Arougheti - Director, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Arougheti, the Director, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Ares, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution of the firm's diverse investment platforms. Guiding the development of complementary primary and secondary investment solutions, Arougheti ensures the firm's offerings meet evolving client needs across credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. This executive function involves cultivating key stakeholder relationships and driving market expansion. Through rigorous oversight, Michael Arougheti maintains the integrity of Ares' investment strategies. Ultimately, Arougheti's leadership solidifies Ares' position as a premier global alternative investment manager.
    Michael Arougheti

    Tae-Sik Yoon - Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Ares Real Estate Group and Ares Private Equity Group

    Tae-Sik Yoon, the Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Ares Real Estate Group and Ares Private Equity Group at Ares, manages the financial health and strategic fiscal planning for two of the firm's core investment divisions. Yoon oversees financial operations, capital allocation, and reporting for both the real estate and private equity groups, ensuring fiscal discipline and maximizing investment returns. This crucial function involves rigorous financial analysis and risk management. By maintaining robust financial controls, Tae-Sik Yoon directly supports the growth and stability of these key Ares business units. Ultimately, Yoon's financial leadership ensures the long-term success and profitability of the real estate and private equity portfolios.
    Tae-Sik Yoon

    Jarrod Phillips - Partner & Chief Financial Officer

    Jarrod Phillips, the Partner & Chief Financial Officer at Ares, directs the comprehensive financial strategy and oversight for the firm's global operations. Phillips manages all aspects of financial planning, accounting, and reporting, ensuring fiscal integrity and driving profitability across Ares' diverse investment solutions. This executive role involves optimizing capital structure and managing financial risks to support strategic growth objectives. Through diligent financial stewardship, Jarrod Phillips directly enhances the firm's economic performance. Ultimately, Phillips' leadership ensures Ares maintains a strong financial foundation, enabling continued success in alternative asset management.
    Jarrod Phillips

    Scott Lem - Chief Financial Officer & Public Credit Funds, Finance & Accounting Partner

    Scott Lem, the Chief Financial Officer & Public Credit Funds, Finance & Accounting Partner at Ares, leads financial operations and accounting for the firm's public credit funds. Lem ensures accurate financial reporting and efficient management of assets within the public credit sector, supporting Ares' comprehensive investment solutions. This specialized role involves overseeing the financial intricacies of public credit strategies and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. By optimizing financial processes, Scott Lem directly contributes to the success of Ares' public credit offerings. Ultimately, Lem's financial expertise strengthens the firm's capabilities in managing public credit investments.

    Elaine McKay - Partner and Global Chief Operating Officer of Ares Real Estate

    Elaine McKay, the Partner and Global Chief Operating Officer of Ares Real Estate at Ares, manages the operational efficiency and strategic scaling of the real estate investment division. Overseeing day-to-day operations, McKay ensures seamless execution of real estate strategies, supporting the firm's broader mission of providing comprehensive investment solutions. This role involves optimizing processes and resource allocation within the real estate sector. By driving operational excellence, Elaine McKay directly contributes to the profitability and growth of Ares' real estate portfolio. Ultimately, McKay's leadership enhances the firm's capacity to deliver value in the dynamic real estate market.

    Hillary Mow - Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Global Client Solutions

    Hillary Mow, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Global Client Solutions at Ares, directs the operational framework supporting client engagement and service delivery across all investment classes. Mow ensures that the global client solutions division functions with maximum efficiency, facilitating strong relationships and seamless service for Ares' diverse clientele. This critical role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance client experience and support business development initiatives. By optimizing client-facing operations, Hillary Mow directly strengthens Ares' market position. Ultimately, Mow's operational leadership ensures sustained client satisfaction and supports the firm's strategic growth objectives.
    Hillary Mow

    Lucas Fregapani - Chief Revenue Officer, Department of Finance

    Lucas Fregapani, the Chief Revenue Officer, Department of Finance at Ares, drives revenue generation strategies and financial performance across the organization. Fregapani oversees initiatives aimed at maximizing income streams from Ares' alternative investment solutions, ensuring robust financial health. This executive function involves analyzing market trends and identifying new revenue opportunities within the credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure sectors. By optimizing revenue capture, Lucas Fregapani directly enhances the firm's profitability. Ultimately, Fregapani's financial acumen supports Ares' mission to deliver exceptional value to its clients and stakeholders.

    Loretta Younkin - Vice President and Chief of Staff To Co-Founder

    Loretta Younkin, the Vice President and Chief of Staff To Co-Founder at Ares, provides strategic support and operational coordination to the Co-Founder, ensuring alignment with firm-wide objectives. Younkin facilitates key initiatives and manages critical projects, enhancing the Co-Founder's effectiveness in directing Ares' global alternative investment operations. This role involves streamlining communication and driving execution across various departments. By optimizing strategic workflows, Loretta Younkin directly contributes to the efficient functioning of the leadership team. Ultimately, Younkin's support ensures the seamless implementation of Ares' investment strategies and operational priorities.

    Amanda Frierson - Chief Revenue Officer, Department of Finance

    Amanda Frierson, the Chief Revenue Officer, Department of Finance at Ares, spearheads revenue growth initiatives and optimizes financial performance across Ares' investment platforms. Frierson directs strategies to enhance income generation from credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure asset classes, ensuring sustained financial success. This executive responsibility includes identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities to expand revenue streams. Through astute financial management, Amanda Frierson directly boosts the firm's profitability. Ultimately, Frierson's leadership in revenue generation reinforces Ares' commitment to delivering superior returns and value.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ares Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ares?
    Ares is led by Michael Arougheti (Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Director), along with executives such as Michael Arougheti (Director, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Tae-Sik Yoon (Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Ares Real Estate Group and Ares Private Equity Group).
    Who is part of Ares’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ares includes leaders such as Michael Arougheti (Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Director), Michael Arougheti (Director, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Tae-Sik Yoon (Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Ares Real Estate Group and Ares Private Equity Group) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ares have?
    Ares has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ares’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ares includes roles such as Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Director, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Partner, Chief Financial Officer, Ares Real Estate Group and Ares Private Equity Group, Partner & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Public Credit Funds, Finance & Accounting Partner.