Joshua Pack, co-CEO of Fortress Investment Group, died unexpectedly on Monday at the age of 51. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Pack joined Fortress 23 years ago after leaving Wells Fargo and initially worked in the credit funds division. He became co-CEO in 2023 following Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala’s acquisition of Fortress from SoftBank Group. Pack had recently relocated from Dallas to London to focus on the firm’s European expansion. He served on the company’s board of directors and participated in both its environmental, social and governance committee and leadership committee.
Fortress Investment Group manages approximately $53 billion in assets, with investments spanning asset-based finance, real estate, corporate credit, and private equity. The company maintains headquarters in both New York and Dallas and was founded in 1998. Drew McKnight will continue as co-CEO while Jack Neumark will be promoted to co-CEO.
In recent months, Fortress has been active in real estate transactions, including acquiring an office building near Atlanta and apartments in San Francisco while selling a large apartment complex in Dallas.
Before his time at Wells Fargo, Pack worked as vice president at American Commercial Capital, a specialty finance company that focused on real estate and corporate lending before being acquired by Wells Fargo in 2001.
“We are devastated by this loss. Josh was a gifted investor, a thoughtful strategist, a compassionate leader — and a deeply cherished friend to many,” Fortress said in a statement. “Josh left an indelible mark on our institution. He cared deeply for his team, and that care was returned in kind.”
Pack attended the United States Air Force Academy before earning an economics degree from California State University, San Marcos.
“Everyone at Fortress is grieving the loss of one of our most exceptional leaders,” Fortress stated. “Josh was a devoted husband and father. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and ask that their privacy be respected during this tragic time. We are doing all we can to support the Pack family.”
