Ares Management (ARES) Proxy filing summary

Executive summary

• The 2026 Annual Meeting will be held virtually on June 8, 2026, with full participation rights for shareholders, including voting and Q&A opportunities.

• Shareholders will vote on the election of directors for one-year terms and the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditor for fiscal 2026.

• The company uses a controlled company structure, with significant voting power concentrated among founders and key executives.

• Proxy materials are distributed primarily via internet access to reduce environmental impact and costs.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Proposal 1: Election of eleven directors for one-year terms expiring at the 2027 Annual Meeting.

• Proposal 2: Ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for 2026.

• Shareholders may submit additional proposals or nominations for the 2027 meeting, with deadlines and procedures specified.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• The board consists of eleven directors, with a mix of independent and non-independent members, bringing diverse expertise in finance, management, and other sectors.

• The company qualifies as a “controlled company” under NYSE rules, allowing exemptions from certain governance requirements.

• Board committees include audit, compensation, nominating and governance, and conflicts committees, with independent directors chairing key committees.

• Board diversity is emphasized, with three female directors and two from racial/ethnic minorities as of April 2026.

• Stock ownership guidelines require independent directors to hold equity valued at five times their annual retainer.