B
ill Benjamin has been elevated to vice chairman of Ares Management, a new role effective January 1, 2026. He will keep working closely with the Real Estate division, which manages $109 billion of capital, while Julie Solomon remains the global head of Real Estate. Both joined Ares in 2013 when AREA Property Partners was acquired. Based in London, Benjamin reports to Co‑Presidents Kipp deVeer and Blair Jacobson.

    In his new capacity, Benjamin will continue to collaborate on strategic initiatives, including the integration of the recently acquired GCP International, and will support firm‑wide priorities. He will also stay on as chairman of the boards of Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp., the NYSE‑listed REIT, and Ares Industrial Real Estate Income Trust.

    CEO Michael Arougheti praised the partnership between Benjamin and Solomon, noting their role in positioning Real Estate as a key driver of Ares’ transformation. “Bill’s deep private‑market expertise and collaborative leadership will keep advancing our strategic goals,” he said, adding that the team’s momentum will persist under Julie’s guidance.

    Ares Real Estate’s global portfolio spans logistics, self‑storage, cold storage, multifamily, residential, student housing, credit‑lease office, hospitality, and essential retail. With over 740 employees, the firm manages more than 720 million square feet and ranks third worldwide in logistics ownership, operation, and development. In addition to GCP International, the company has absorbed the real‑estate businesses of Black Creek Group and Walton Street Mexico.

    Solomon highlighted that the past year saw the real‑estate business double in size and broaden its capabilities to meet large‑scale demand in new‑economy sectors. Benjamin added that this expanded role will deepen cross‑firm collaboration, strengthen institutional relationships, and mentor Ares’ next‑generation leaders.