Ares Management bolsters infrastructure debt team with key hire

NEW YORK - Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES), a financial powerhouse with a market capitalization of $58.21 billion and strong financial health metrics according to InvestingPro, has appointed Jon Plavnick as a Partner to its Infrastructure Debt team, according to a press release statement issued by the company. Based in New York, Plavnick will focus on sourcing, structuring and managing infrastructure debt investments throughout the Americas.

The company also announced that Spencer Ivey, Partner and Head of Americas and Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Debt, has relocated to the firm’s Sydney office to accelerate the strategy’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.

Plavnick brings nearly two decades of infrastructure debt experience, most recently serving as a Partner at Global Infrastructure Partners. He previously held positions at Oaktree Capital Management, BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank.

Patrick Trears, Partner and Global Head of Ares Infrastructure Debt, said the team has enhanced its positioning as a financing solutions provider to businesses across digital, transport, energy and utility sectors over the past three years.

The announcement follows recent additions to the global Ares Infrastructure Debt platform, including Brent Canada as a Partner in New York in 2022, Lorenzo Ceretti as a Partner in London in 2023, and the appointment of Daniel Katz as Head of Portfolio Management in 2024.

As of March 31, 2025, the Ares Infrastructure Debt strategy managed nearly $11 billion in assets and has deployed over $21 billion in its 15-year history. The team consists of approximately 25 investment professionals operating across offices in London, New York, Singapore and Sydney.

Ares Management Corporation reported approximately $546 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2025.

In other recent news, Ares Management Corporation has made significant strides with various strategic moves. The company has acquired a 20% stake in Plenitude for €2 billion, valuing the company at an enterprise value of over €12 billion. This acquisition marks a notable expansion in Ares Management’s investment portfolio. Additionally, Ares has played a crucial role in arranging a $5.5 billion private debt deal to support Clearlake Capital Group’s acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc.

Furthermore, Ares Private Equity has acquired a majority stake in Landscape Workshop, a prominent grounds maintenance provider in the Southeastern U.S. The financial details of this acquisition have not been disclosed. In terms of analyst activity, TD Cowen has raised its price target for Ares Management to $204 from $199, maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. This upgrade follows investor meetings that reinforced confidence in Ares Management’s platform capabilities.

Moreover, Ares Management has appointed Sarah Cole as Partner and Co-Head of the Global Capital Solutions team. She will focus on enhancing strategic relationships and sourcing new investment opportunities. These developments highlight Ares Management’s ongoing efforts to expand its influence and capabilities in the financial sector.

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