Who Founded Apollo: The Story Behind The Iconic Brand

Apollo, initially known as Apollo Advisors, was established in 1990 following the collapse of Drexel Burnham Lambert. It was founded by Leon Black, who previously headed Drexel’s mergers and acquisitions department, alongside Josh Harris and Marc Rowan.

These three individuals, with their extensive experience in finance and a shared vision, decided to capitalize on the opportunities that arose from the restructuring of the financial industry after the collapse of Drexel. They formed a new firm that would focus on providing alternative investment solutions, particularly in private equity and credit. The name “Apollo” was chosen to reflect the firm’s ambition and aspiration to achieve success in the financial markets.

Leon Black played a pivotal role in shaping the early success of Apollo. He brought with him a wealth of expertise in mergers and acquisitions, having orchestrated numerous high-profile deals during his time at Drexel. Black’s leadership and strategic vision set the stage for the firm’s growth and expansion.

Josh Harris and Marc Rowan contributed their own unique skillsets. Harris, known for his strong financial acumen and deal-making capabilities, contributed to Apollo’s early success in building a robust portfolio of investments. Rowan, with his legal background and deep understanding of capital markets, played a key role in establishing the firm’s legal and regulatory framework. Together, the trio formed a powerful and complementary leadership team that propelled Apollo to new heights in the years that followed.