Mr. Thomas is a Managing Director in the Ares Legal Department. Prior to joining Ares in 2022, Mr. Thomas was a Managing Director at SSG Advisors LLP., where he focused on India related investments and operations while advising on legal issues in relation to the firm's investments and asset management in Asia. Previously, Mr. Thomas was a Vice President and Senior Legal Counsel at Deutsche Bank AG in Mumbai, where he focused on India related structured financings for their global markets team. In addition, Mr. Thomas was a Managing Associate at the law firm of Talwar Thakore & Associates in Mumbai, where he focused on the firm's banking, financial and regulatory practice. Mr. Thomas holds a B.A., with honors, from St. Stephen's College, Delhi in History and an L.L.B. from the Faculty of Law, Delhi University. He also holds an L.L.M., with distinction, from University College London in Banking and Finance. Mr. Thomas was enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi in 2002 and is admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales.