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On January 13, 2026, Pepperdine University will host a fireside chat with Howard Marks—the
co-chair and founding principal of Oaktree Capital Management—at its Malibu campus. Throughout this upcoming event, students, staff, and friends
of the University will have the opportunity to glean new economic insights from one
of the industry’s leading insiders. 

“Attendees of this event will receive the rare opportunity to learn from one of the
most influential investors of our generation,” says Jeffrey Rohde, Pepperdine’s chief
investment officer. “In turn, I hope that all of our participants walk away from the
session inspired and eager to put some of Howard’s teachings into practice.”

One of the most prominent thought leaders in the investment field, Marks is heralded
for his perspectives on market cycles, risk, and long-term value creation. His career
began with Citicorp in 1969, where Marks originally worked as an equity research analyst
before ascending to become a director of research, vice president, and senior portfolio
manager. From there, he joined the TCW Group and led teams concerned with distressed
debt, high yield bonds, and convertible securities. 

In 1995 Marks left TCW to become one of the founding principals of Oaktree Capital
Management. Today this global investment company manages $218 billion worth of assets
and employs more than 1,400 individuals in 25 offices around the globe. 

The fireside chat, which will be hosted at the Wilburn Auditorium on Pepperdine’s
Drescher campus, provides attendees with the unique chance to learn from one of the
world’s leading market experts. With a wide array of relevant, potential topics to
comment on, the event will foster dialogue around the current state of the financial
sector and offer participants the opportunity to gain new, informed perspectives. 

Marks’ expertise, and his ability to effectively communicate complex investment analyses,
are held in the highest regard. He began writing his widely distributed “Memos from Howard Marks”—read by finance students and the most sophisticated of practitioners—35 years ago.
Recent topics range from the potential of an AI bubble, the private credit market,
calculating asset value, to how to invest well in the face of uncertainty. Boasting
five decades worth of professional investment experience, he possesses both the broad
and specialized knowledge necessary to assess the current financial landscape.

“Howard has the unique ability to take complex investment concepts and distill them
into a clear, concise, and digestible format,” says Rohde. “Whether you manage billions
of dollars or you’re just learning the basics of investing, you can gain practical
insights from Howard that will make you a better investor.”

Learn more about Pepperdine’s fireside chat with Howard Marks and register to attend the event.

Firm News  |  December 19, 2025

Gibson Dunn advised J.P. Morgan Asset Management as co-lead investor in the Series L financing round of Databricks.

Our corporate team included partners Richard Birns and Daniel Alterbaum and associates Mark Goldman and Hannah Gonzalez. Partner Kathryn Kelly and associate Ryan Rott advised on tax aspects.