Ares Management appointed John Knox as Australia and New Zealand chairman of Ares SSG.
Knox is the former CEO of Credit Suisse Australia, where he was responsible for leading Credit Suisse’s operating activities in the region. He brings 25 years of experience and was head of investment banking for Credit Suisse in Australia prior to his appointment as CEO. In his role, he will help drive a range of business expansion opportunities in Australia and New Zealand and bring experience, knowledge and relationship networks. He will work with Edwin Wong, managing partner and CEO of Ares SSG; Eric Vimont, managing partner and head of strategy of Ares SSG; and Ares’ global leadership.
With approximately $165 billion in assets under management and 1,400 employees across North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, Ares operates complementary, integrated investment groups that invest across credit, private equity and real estate. Over the past decade, Ares has developed its business activities across Asia Pacific. Today, Ares is approaching 250 investment and business operations professionals across the region and has more than 125 Asia Pacific investors located in approximately a dozen countries.
Ares has been particularly active across Asia Pacific during the past 12 months, having completed multiple strategic transactions, including the acquisition of SSG Capital Holdings Limited, the formation of Ares Australia Management through a joint venture with Fidante Partners and a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking.
“As a proven leader in the Australian market for the past two decades, John will provide the local knowledge, experience and relationships to further expand the opportunity set for Ares through our Ares SSG platform,” Michael Arougheti, CEO and president of Ares, said. “We believe John can help us capitalize on our recent transactions, secure compelling new opportunities and enhance our offering for our investor base.”
“We are excited to welcome John and leverage his marketplace knowledge and track record of successful business building to help us expand our operating activities in the strategically important Australian and New Zealand markets,” Wong and Vimont said in a joint statement. “Along with our senior Australia-based colleagues, Teiki Benveniste, Jean-Philippe Gaillard and Jan-Paul Kobarg, we look forward to partnering with John to further enhance our investment offering and relationships.”
“Ares is highly regarded as a global leader in alternative investments, with an unmatched private credit business and market leading businesses in private equity and real estate. It stands apart for its collaborative culture, the depth and talent within the organization, and long and distinguished investment track record,” Knox said. “I believe there is a significant opportunity to extend Ares’ reach throughout Australia and New Zealand, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Michael, Edwin, Eric and the existing Australia team to champion these growth initiatives.”
As the CEO of Credit Suisse Australia, Knox oversaw all of Credit Suisse Australia’s businesses, including investment banking, private banking, equities, asset finance, fixed income, debt financing and shared services. Knox was also a leader on the Credit Suisse APAC operating committee. Prior to becoming CEO of Credit Suisse Australia, he served as head and co-head of Credit Suisse’s investment banking teams in Australia for nearly a decade. Outside of Credit Suisse, Knox also has served in a range of capacities, including as chairman of the Australian Financial Markets Association from 2016 to 2019 and as chairman of Cricket NSW since 2018.
