Ares Management Corp. has named James Garforth a Principal in its Asia direct lending business, according to an internal company memo viewed by Reuters on Monday. Garforth will be based in Singapore and is tasked with supporting the firm’s investment activities in the Asia-Pacific private credit market.
In his new role, Garforth will report to Justin Grant, a Partner and Head of Ares Asia, and work with the direct lending team on sourcing, underwriting, and managing credit investments across the region. The appointment is part of the firm’s ongoing efforts to expand its credit platform in Asia.
Garforth joins Ares Management from Cerberus Capital Management, where he served as a managing director. His professional background includes extensive experience in credit and special situations investing throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to his tenure at Cerberus, Garforth held positions at other financial institutions focused on regional credit markets.
Ares Management, a global alternative investment manager, oversees a significant portfolio across credit, private equity, real estate, and secondary markets. According to company filings, Ares has been actively increasing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which it identifies as a key area for its credit strategies.
The firm’s direct lending platform provides financing solutions to middle-market companies. The addition of Garforth to the Singapore office aligns with the company’s stated objective of strengthening its regional teams to capitalize on private credit opportunities.
In a statement cited in other reports on the appointment, a representative for Ares noted the firm’s commitment to building its capabilities in the region. The expansion of its direct lending team in Asia reflects a broader trend among global asset managers focusing on private credit as an asset class.
