Tony Ressler to Lead the 2026 Hunter Conference's Bharat Shah Leadership Series

Tony Ressler to Headline Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series

Tony Ressler is set to take center stage at the highly anticipated Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series during the 2026 Hunter Conference. Scheduled for March 17, 2026, at Signia by Hilton Atlanta, this year’s conference, presented in collaboration with Noble Investment Group and Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration, promises an enlightening dialogue on leadership principles and community impact.

A Conversation Between Leaders

Ressler, the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Ares Management Corporation, and Principal Owner of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, will engage in a detailed discussion with Mit Shah, the Founder and CEO of Noble Investment Group. Together, they will delve into significant themes such as leadership, purpose, and the responsibilities of stewardship spanning various sectors including business, sports, and community engagement.

Mit Shah passionately highlights Tony’s remarkable journey – “His life and career fully embody the belief that lives of meaning and enduring institutions are built through discipline, humility, and long-term vision. Across business and professional sports, he exemplifies the values this series was created to celebrate.” This intimate dialogue will reflect on their shared experiences and offer insights into the complexities of fostering institutions that endure.

The Legacy of the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series

Named in honor of Mit Shah's immigrant father, the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series stands as a testament to the virtues of persistence and visionary leadership. Each year, the series aims to spotlight those whose journeys resonate with the American Dream. By providing candid perspectives on the leadership philosophies that have contributed to their success, attendees gain valuable insights into overcoming challenges and creating lasting impact.

Tony Ressler’s participation is particularly noteworthy given his extensive background in finance and sports. Co-founding Ares Management in 1997, he has played a critical role in shaping it into a leading global alternative investment firm, with approximately $623 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. His four-decade career includes key positions such as co-founding Apollo Global Management, evidencing his expertise in building resilient institutions.

Commitment to Community and Philanthropy

Beyond his illustrious finance career, Ressler is equally committed to community impact and philanthropy. Through initiatives led by the Ressler Gertz Family Foundation, he emphasizes education and empowerment. His role as Principal Owner of the Atlanta Hawks also involves significant engagement in basketball-related community efforts, being a Founding Member of the NBA Foundation and a Senior Advisor to the Hawks Foundation. Such commitments illustrate his belief in leveraging success for broader societal benefit, aligning perfectly with the ethos of the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series.

Previous speakers at the series have included notable figures such as Arne Sorenson, Chris Nassetta, and Sara Blakely, all of whom have made substantial contributions to their fields. Lee Hunter, Chairman of the Hunter Conference, underscores the importance of personal narratives in understanding success: “This session reflects a conviction that leadership is not inherited; it is earned through stewardship, responsibility, and service over time.”

Join Us at HUNTER 2026

Mark your calendars for the 2026 Hunter Conference, taking place from March 16-18, where industry leaders, investors, and innovators in hospitality will converge for two days dedicated to learning, networking, and creating deals. The adventure unfolds within the backdrop of Atlanta, a city known for its progressive contributions to the hospitality landscape.

For more information about the 2026 Hunter Conference and how to attend, please visit www.hunterconference.co or contact the Atlanta headquarters at 770-916-0300. The event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for hospitality professionals to connect and explore new horizons while celebrating the spirit of visionary leadership.