Howard Marks
Howard Marks is the Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, a leading global investment firm specializing in alternative investments, including distressed debt, high-yield bonds, and convertible securities. Since founding Oaktree in 1995, Marks has guided the firm’s investment philosophy, provided strategic oversight on portfolio management, and advised clients on financial products and strategies. Recognized as one of the world’s top investors and alternative investment managers, he brings decades of experience in managing complex credit and equity investments. Prior to Oaktree, Marks led investment teams at the TCW Group, focusing on distressed debt, high-yield bonds, and convertible securities, and spent 16 years at Citibank as Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager overseeing convertible and high-yield portfolios.
Howard Marks Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Co-Founder and Co-Chairman
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Chief Investment Officer for Domestic Fixed Income
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Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, Convertible and High Yield Securities
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Director of Research
Academic History
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M.B.A., Accounting and Marketing
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B.S., Economics and Finance, Cum Laude
CURRENT APPOINTMENTS
Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Oaktree Capital Management
Emeritus Trustee and Investment Committee Member, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Emeritus Trustee, University of Pennsylvania
Advisory Board Member, Duke Kunshan University
Member, Shanghai International Financial Advisory Council
MARKET EXPERTISE
Howard Marks is recognized as one of the world’s foremost investors, often referred to as the “Warren Buffett of distressed debt securities.”
He specializes in deploying capital when others are hesitant, a strategy often described as “catching falling knives.”
Marks is also renowned for his prescient and sometimes contrarian market insights, shared through his highly anticipated investor memos.
These memos are celebrated for their clarity, wisdom, and practical guidance on investment strategies, risk management, and economic trends.
EARLY CAREER
Marks began his career at Citibank, where he managed a high-yield bond portfolio after connecting with junk bond pioneer Mike Milken.
He later served as an equity research analyst and as Citigroup’s Director of Research.
In 1985, he joined TCW Group, leading teams focused on high-yield debt and convertible securities.
In 1995, Marks, alongside Bruce Karsh and three colleagues, left TCW to establish Oaktree Capital Management, successfully petitioning to continue managing the funds they had overseen at TCW.
MEDIA PRESENCE
Marks is frequently featured and quoted in leading financial media, including Bloomberg, CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, Business Insider, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Financial Times, Institutional Investor, The New York Times, Barron’s, CoinDesk, Real Vision, and The Economic Times.
His insights on distressed debt, high-yield bonds, and alternative investments are widely sought after by investors and institutions worldwide.