IPEM Global 2026 will be exploring the theme of Mastering the Course, as private markets explore a new path of outperformance. To help navigate this terrain, we have an impressive array of industry luminaries. Here is a snapshot of who to look out for across the two-day Plenary & Summit Sessions during September 9th and 10th:
Scott Kleinman, Co-President of Apollo Asset Management
Panel: Mastering the course
Remember the good old days? The era of easy leverage, multiple expansion and benign macro feels like ancient history. Today, new risks and disruption obscure the path ahead. Scott Kleinman has recently emphasised that in today’s private equity market, discipline and operational execution matter more than rate timing, and that firms with sensible entry valuations are still best placed to generate exits and returns. Scott co-leads Apollo’s day-to-day operations across its revenue-generating businesses and enterprise solutions platform. He joined Apollo in 2002, was named Lead Partner for Private Equity in 2009 and became Co-President in 2018. He also serves on Apollo’s Executive Committee and the boards of Apollo Global Management, Inc. and Athora Holding Ltd.
Jonathan Sokoloff, Managing Partner, Leonard Green
Panel: Are private markets dancing to a new rhythm?
If history tells us anything, it’s that private assets always perform well during periods of dislocation. Leaning in when public markets retrench is how the industry has outperformed. However, the conditions today feel like something of a perfect storm. What does the experience of past cycles teach us about where we are heading next? Jonathan Sokoloff has recently warned that private equity firms should not wait for a “dream price,” arguing that holding out too long can damage IRR and that the real issue in today’s market is often asset pricing and distribution discipline rather than just patience. Jonathan joined LGP in 1990 and is a member of the Firm’s Investment Committee. Previously, he was a Managing Director in corporate finance at Drexel Burnham Lambert, which he joined in 1985.
Jenny Johnson, CEO, Franklin Templeton
Panel: Bringing together public and private - culture clash or future blueprint?
Traditional asset managers continue to reshape the private assets landscape. Strategic M&A offers access to attractive margins and growing retail allocations. What does the dominance of these asset managers contribute to the next phase of private markets and how does it benefit investors? Jenny Johnson, CEO of Franklin Templeton, has recently described growth in private markets as a secular change and that democratising alternative investing is one of Franklin Templeton’s biggest priorities. In a career spanning over 35 years, Jenny has been a key driver of the company's transformation to what is now one of the largest global investment managers across public and private asset classes with $1.7 trillion in AUM. Ms. Johnson has been named to Forbes' “World's 100 Most Powerful Women” list for four consecutive years and has been included on Barron's list of the “100 Most Influential Women in US Finance” every year since the list’s inception in 2020.
Luke Sarsfield, CEO, Ridgepost Capital
Panel: Rolling with the punches - how Europe and US mid-market fights on
Private markets has its roots in supporting high growth mid-market companies. That’s why it remains a core source of alpha. Yet these businesses are also having to confront the pressures of AI disruption, energy price shocks and geopolitical volatility. Luke Sarsfield is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Ridgepost Capital. He recently framed the middle and lower middle market as a highly attractive part of private markets, but one that increasingly requires more than just capital. In his view, being a “value-added partner—not just a capital provider” is what makes firms want to work with GPs like Ridgepost Capital. Prior to joining Ridgepost Capital, Sarsfield worked at Goldman Sachs for over 23 years, where he held numerous senior leadership roles in asset management.
Isabelle Scemama, Deputy CEO, BNP Paribas Asset Management
Panel: Building the ultimate one-stop shop
Is bigger always better? Judging by the growth of large multi-asset managers, some believe so. The past decade has seen a significant consolidation of AUM among large-scale alternative managers that provide a single entry point for private markets exposure. What are the drivers behind this trend and how do firms remain agile? Isabelle Scemama is Deputy CEO of BNP Paribas Asset Management & Global Head of BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts (“BNPP AM Alts”), the alternative investments platform of BNP Paribas Asset Management. She has argued that in a larger multi-asset platform, “you can’t treat the capital differently,” underscoring the importance of integrating institutional, retail and alternative capabilities without losing focus or consistency. In her role, Isabelle leads the definition and execution of BNPP AM Alts global strategy as well as supervising its day-to-day management.