Mr. Cortas is a Managing Director in the Ares Credit Group, where he focuses on European direct lending. Prior to joining Ares in 2022, Mr. Cortas was a Managing Director at Apollo Global Management in London, where he originated and executed mid and large-cap direct lending transactions for private equity sponsors across Europe. Previously, Mr. Cortas was a Partner at Vision Capital, a London based private equity firm. In addition, Mr. Cortas co-founded the debt advisory firm, Blenheim Advisors, which was subsequently sold to Houlihan Lokey. Mr. Cortas began his career at CIBC World Markets in leveraged finance and sponsor coverage. Mr. Cortas holds a B.A. from Columbia University, with a double major in Economics and Middle East and South Asian Studies (MEALAC).