Ares Management Corp

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )

Dear Stockholder,

You are cordially invited to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Ares Management Corporation (the “Company”) to be held on June 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, electronically at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARES2026. In order to facilitate access for our stockholders, the Annual Meeting will be conducted in a virtual-only format. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Stockholders will be afforded the same rights and opportunities to vote, ask questions and participate as they would at an in-person annual meeting. In particular, stockholders may submit questions in advance of, or live during, the Annual Meeting by following the instructions and rules of conduct on the Annual Meeting website. During the Annual Meeting, the Company intends to answer questions that are pertinent to the Company and the official business of the Annual Meeting, subject to time constraints.

The agenda for the Annual Meeting includes:

•the election of directors for one-year terms expiring in 2027 (Proposal 1); and

•the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our 2026 fiscal year (Proposal 2).

The Company’s board of directors recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees listed herein and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

Stockholders are encouraged to enter the virtual Annual Meeting site prior to the start time in order to leave ample time to confirm the internet connection is sufficient to check in and access the site and to allow sufficient time to log in and familiarize themselves with the virtual meeting platform. The virtual meeting platform is supported across different internet browsers and various devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and smart phones) that have the most updated version of applicable software installed. Technical support will be available beginning 15 minutes prior to, and through the conclusion of, the Annual Meeting. For stockholders encountering any technical difficulties while accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or meeting time, a technical assistance phone number will be made available on the virtual meeting registration page 15 minutes prior to the start time of the meeting.

Your interest in the Company and your vote are very important to us. The enclosed proxy materials contain detailed information regarding the business that will be considered at the Annual Meeting. It is important that all stockholders participate in the affairs of the Company, regardless of the number of shares owned. Accordingly, we encourage you to read the proxy materials and vote your shares as soon as possible. You may authorize your proxy via the internet or telephone or, if you received a paper copy of the proxy materials, by mail by completing and returning the proxy card. Instructions for voting can be found on your notice of internet availability or proxy card. To be admitted to the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/ARES2026, you must enter the control number found on your proxy card, voting instruction form or notice you will receive. You may vote during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions available on the meeting website during the meeting.

If you hold shares of the Company’s common stock in “street name” through a broker, bank or other nominee, you must follow the instructions provided by your broker, bank or other nominee regarding how to instruct your broker, bank or other nominee to vote your shares, or obtain a proxy in your name from your broker, bank or other nominee.

On behalf of the Company and our board of directors, I would like to express our appreciation for your ongoing interest in Ares Management Corporation.

Sincerely,

/s/ Antony P. Ressler

Antony P. Ressler

Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors