Mr. Thigpen is a Principal in Ares Real Estate, where he focuses on U.S. industrial real estate equity portfolio management. Prior to joining Ares in 2021, he was a Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Black Creek Group, where he oversaw the execution of business strategy, investor relations and overall portfolio management for a Black Creek sponsored industrial development venture. Previously, Mr. Thigpen restored oil paintings specializing in works from the Hudson River School and American Impressionists. Mr. Thigpen is an active member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), where he serves as the chair of Forum XIX. Mr. Thigpen is also a member of the University of Colorado Boulder Real Estate Council where he mentors students. Mr. Thigpen holds a B.F.A. from East Carolina University in Studio Art and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado Boulder in Real Estate and Finance.