If you want to know more about Leon David Black, you are in the right place. Leon Black is an American private equity investor best known for co-founding Apollo Global Management.
He became popular for his work in leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. He is also known for his previous role as chairman of the Museum of Modern Art.
In this article, you will learn about Leon Black’s age, career, education, personal life, net worth, and other important details.
Leon Black wiki and biography
Leon David Black was born on July 31, 1951, making him a notable figure in finance. His father, Eli M. Black, was a Jewish businessman who had emigrated from Poland. His mother, Shirley Lubell, was an artist.
Tragically, his father died by suicide in 1975 at the age of 53. Black received his education from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School, laying the groundwork for his successful career.
His early life and family background provided a unique foundation for his future endeavors in the financial world.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Leon David Black |
| Nickname | Leo |
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1951 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 73 years old |
| Place of Birth | New York, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Father’s Name | Eli M. Black |
| Mother’s Name | Shirley Lubell |
| Siblings | Two sisters, Sarah and Emily |
| Religion | Judaism |
| Education | Dartmouth College (AB), Harvard Business School (MBA) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Debra Black |
| Children | Four (two sons, two daughters) |
Leon Black Height, weight, and More
Leon Black's physical attributes, while not central to his financial career, offer a complete picture of the individual. Standing at an estimated 5 feet 10 inches, or 1.78 meters, he has a solid presence.
His weight is around 75 kilograms, which is about 165 pounds or 2640 ounces. With brown eyes and short gray hair, he presents a professional appearance.
These details help to visualize the man behind the significant financial accomplishments, adding a personal touch to his public persona.
| Physical Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (approx.) | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Weight (approx.) | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Body Type | Average |
Leon Black Career Information
Leon Black's career began with accounting roles at Peat Marwick and Boardroom Reports. He later joined Drexel Burnham Lambert in 1977, where he became a managing director and head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Group.
After Drexel's bankruptcy in 1990, he co-founded Apollo Global Management, which became a leading private equity firm. He served as CEO until January 2021 and fully departed in March 2021 due to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Since then, he has managed his personal investments through Elysium Management.
| Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Private Equity Investor |
| Former CEO | Apollo Global Management |
| Co-founder | Apollo Global Management (1990) |
| Previous Roles | Managing Director at Drexel Burnham Lambert, Head of M&A Group |
| Chairman (Former) | Museum of Modern Art (2018-2021) |
| Current Role | Manages personal investments through Elysium Management |
| Notable Achievement | Transformed Apollo into one of the world’s largest private equity firms |
| Other Ventures | Acquired Phaidon Press (2012) |
| Years Active | 1977-Present |
Leon Black Net Worth Information
Leon Black's net worth is primarily from his stake in Apollo Global Management. As of 2026, his net worth is about $13.8 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Between 2012 and 2017, he paid Jeffrey Epstein $170 million for financial services that saved him over $1 billion in taxes.
In February 2024, he sold Apollo shares worth about $172.8 million, which was his first sale since co-founding the firm. His wealth continues to be a significant topic in financial circles.
| Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (as of 2026) | $13.8 billion (approx.) |
| Primary Source of Wealth | Retained stake in Apollo Global Management |
| Asset Management | Apollo Global Management ($1.03 trillion in AUM as of March 2026) |
| Investment Firm | Elysium Management (family office for personal investments) |
| Major Transaction | Paid Jeffrey Epstein $170 million for tax services (2012-2017) |
| Tax Savings | Reportedly saved over $1 billion in taxes due to Epstein’s services |
| Stock Sale (Feb 2024) | Sold approx. $172.8 million worth of Apollo shares |
| Real Estate Holdings | Significant investments through Elysium Management |
| Other Investments | Private equity investments through Elysium Management |
| Financial Summary (2014-2015) | Detailed personal balance sheet showed approx. $5 billion net worth |
10 Interesting Facts About Leon Black
1. Leon Black’s father, Eli M. Black, was a prominent businessman who died by suicide.
2. He began his career as an accountant before moving into investment banking.
3. Black was initially told he lacked the “brains or personality” for Wall Street.
4. He was a close associate of Michael Milken, the “junk bond king,” at Drexel Burnham Lambert.
5. Black co-founded Apollo Global Management after Drexel Burnham Lambert went bankrupt.
6. He was chairman of the Museum of Modern Art but resigned due to ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
7. Black paid Jeffrey Epstein $170 million for financial services between 2012 and 2017.
8. These services reportedly saved him over $1 billion in taxes.
9. He negotiated a $18 million NDA payment with a Russian model through Epstein.
10. Black manages his current personal investments through his family office, Elysium Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Leon Black?
A1: Leon Black is an American private equity investor who co-founded Apollo Global Management.
Q2: When was Leon Black born?
A2: Leon Black was born on July 31, 1951.
Q3: What is Apollo Global Management?
A3: Apollo Global Management is one of the world’s largest private equity firms, co-founded by Leon Black.
Q4: Why did Leon Black resign from Apollo?
A4: He resigned due to revelations about his business ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Q5: How much did Leon Black pay Jeffrey Epstein?
A5: He paid Epstein $170 million for tax and financial services between 2012 and 2017.
Q6: What is Leon Black’s net worth?
A6: As of 2026, his net worth is approximately $13.8 billion.
Q7: Where did Leon Black go to college?
A7: He attended Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School.
Q8: What is Elysium Management?
A8: Elysium Management is Leon Black’s family office for managing his personal investments.
Q9: Was Leon Black involved with the Museum of Modern Art?
A9: Yes, he was the chairman of the Museum of Modern Art from 2018 to 2021.
Q10: What kind of services did Epstein provide to Black?
A10: Epstein provided tax and financial services, reportedly saving Black over $1 billion in taxes.
Conclusion
Leon Black has had a long and impactful career in finance. He co-founded Apollo Global Management, which became a major private equity firm. His work at Drexel Burnham Lambert also shaped his early career.
Black's financial dealings, including those with Jeffrey Epstein, led to his resignation from key roles. Despite these challenges, he continues to manage his significant wealth through personal investments.
His story highlights a complex journey through the world of high finance.
