Bruce Karsh
Bruce Karsh is a renowned investor and the Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, and Chief Investment Officer of Oaktree Capital Management, one of the world’s leading alternative investment firms specializing in credit strategies and distressed debt. As one of Oaktree’s founding partners, Karsh oversees and manages the firm’s Global Opportunities, Value Opportunities, and Global Credit strategies, which are core to Oaktree’s investment platform. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in alternative investing and distressed debt markets, Karsh is frequently cited in leading financial media outlets for his market insights and investment expertise. Before founding Oaktree in 1995, Karsh was a Managing Director at TCW Asset Management, where he managed the Special Credits Funds and developed deep expertise in credit and distressed investing. Beyond his investment career, Karsh is also a noted philanthropist, contributing extensively to education, healthcare, and cultural causes through the Karsh Family Foundation. He is additionally a part owner of the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Football Club.
Bruce Karsh Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Co-Chairman, Co-Founder, and Chief Investment Officer
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Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Special Credit Funds
Academic History
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J.D., Order of the Coif Award
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A.B., Economics, Summa Cum Laude
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Co-Founder, Karsh Family Foundation
Chairman of the Board, DUMAC
Trustee Emeritus, Duke University
Investment Committee, Broad Foundations
EARLY CAREER
Bruce Karsh is widely recognized for his disciplined, value-oriented investment philosophy and deep expertise in credit markets and distressed opportunities.
Before co-founding Oaktree Capital Management, he was Managing Director at TCW Asset Management, where he served as Portfolio Manager of the Special Credits Funds.
Earlier in his career, he worked as Assistant to the Chairman of SunAmerica, Inc., gaining valuable experience in financial strategy and corporate management.
Karsh began his professional career as an attorney at O’Melveny & Myers, one of Los Angeles’ most prominent law firms.
Prior to entering private practice, he clerked for the Honorable Anthony M. Kennedy—then served in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and later was appointed as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
PHILANTHROPY & PUBLIC PRESENCE
Through the Karsh Family Foundation, Bruce and his wife, Martha, are deeply committed to advancing education, civic engagement, and community development.
The foundation has granted more than $400 million toward scholarships, endowed professorships, and educational initiatives, with a particular focus on undergraduate financial aid.
The Karshes have established major scholarship and endowment programs at Duke University, the University of Virginia Law School, the University of Pennsylvania, Howard University, Spelman College, and Brown University.
Their philanthropic vision reflects a long-standing dedication to expanding access to education and fostering social mobility.