Ares Management Bolsters Asia Leadership with Key Appointment
Ares Management Corp has appointed E G Morse as partner and head of Asia credit, based in Hong Kong, as the firm continues to build out its regional leadership across private credit strategies, according to Private Equity Wire. Morse succeeds Edwin Wong, who is set to retire at the end of June, marking a transition in the firm’s Asia operations.
Background of the New Leader
Morse joins Ares after a 16-year career at Goldman Sachs Group Inc, where he held senior leadership roles, most recently as co-head of China and head of China global markets before retiring in 2024. This move aligns with Ares’ efforts to strengthen its Asia credit business, which has approximately $11.5bn in assets under management as of 31 December, 2025, across strategies including credit-focused special situations, sponsored and non-sponsored direct lending, and asset-backed finance.
Other Regional Appointments at Ares
The firm has also confirmed the appointment of Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong as co-heads of its Asia special situations strategy, while Peter Graf will continue to oversee direct lending activities in the region from Sydney. These changes reflect Ares’ ongoing expansion in Asia, as stated by Mitch Goldstein, Co-Head of Ares Credit, who noted the firm’s excitement about welcoming Morse and elevating Goel and Fong.
Firm’s Asia Credit Strategy
Ares’ leading Asia Credit business encompasses various private credit approaches, with Goldstein expressing gratitude for Wong’s contributions over the years and wishing him well in retirement, according to Private Equity Wire. As a major player in alternative investments, Ares is adapting its regional structure to navigate growing opportunities in Asia.
