Early Life
Michael Rees was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh. He also earned a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's degree in Technology Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Rise to Success
Rees began his career at Marakon Associates as an associate in 1998. He then transitioned to Lehman Brothers in 2001, eventually becoming a Managing Director. After the 2008 financial crisis, Rees co-founded Dyal Capital as a subsidiary of Neuberger Berman. Dyal Capital focused on acquiring minority stakes in private equity firms. In 2021, Dyal Capital merged with Owl Rock Capital to form Blue Owl Capital.
Key Business Strategies
Rees's strategic approach centers on acquiring minority stakes in established private equity firms, a strategy that provides capital to managers while allowing them to maintain operational control. This model provides a unique revenue stream through fees and carried interest. As co-president of Blue Owl Capital, Rees is responsible for deploying capital and overseeing Blue Owl GP Strategic Capital, which manages $66 billion.
Philanthropy
Rees and his family donated $3 million to the New Canaan Library, which renamed its Children's Room as The Rees Family Children's Library in 2023. He also serves on the boards of The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and The Opportunity Network.