![Mark Affolter Mark Affolter](jpg/maffolterfa9d.jpg?itok=SlZBjEKq)
Partner, Portfolio Manager & Co-Head of U.S. Direct Lending
Mr. Affolter is a Partner, Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of U.S. Direct Lending in the Ares Credit Group. Additionally, he is a member of the Ares Credit Group's U.S. Direct Lending Investment Committee. He also serves on the Investment Committee and co-leads the Ares Sports, Media and Entertainment strategy. As part of this strategy, he currently serves as a board member for Atletico de Madrid, Eagle Football, RWD Molenbeek, Olympique Lyonnais and Botafogo football clubs. Prior to joining Ares in 2008, Mr. Affolter was a Managing Director at CIT, where he focused on building its sponsor finance business. Previously, Mr. Affolter was a Senior Managing Director at GE Capital in its sponsor finance business and a Senior Vice President at Heller Financial, leading its mezzanine finance business in corporate finance. He currently serves on the Regional Committee of Washington University and holds an A.B. from Washington University in Economics.