When you hear about someone managing over $5.4 billion in assets, you can’t help but wonder how they got there. Andre Hakkak, the co-founder and CEO of White Oak Global Advisors, has built a financial empire that’s worth examining. His story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about smart decisions, strategic moves, and understanding markets that most people overlook.
Andre Hakkak Net Worth
Pinning down Andre Hakkak’s exact net worth isn’t straightforward. Different sources throw out figures ranging from $15 million to several hundred million dollars. Here’s what we know for sure: his wealth comes primarily from his stake in White Oak Global Advisors, a private credit firm he co-founded in 2007.
The most credible estimates place his net worth between $200 million and $500 million as of 2025. This figure accounts for his ownership share in White Oak, which has deployed more than $24 billion in capital since its founding. His compensation as CEO, combined with returns from the firm’s successful lending operations, forms the backbone of his wealth.
White Oak manages around $5.4 billion in assets under management, specializing in middle-market lending. When you’re running a firm this size, your personal wealth grows alongside the company’s success. Hakkak’s real estate holdings add another layer to his financial picture, including a $14.3 million mansion in Pinecrest, Florida, which he purchased in 2024.
Who is Andre Hakkak?
Andre Hakkak is an Iranian-American entrepreneur who made his mark in alternative investments. Born in Tehran, Iran, in 1973, he moved to the United States during his youth. This immigrant background shaped his drive and work ethic, qualities that would serve him well in the competitive world of finance.
At 52 years old, Hakkak has spent nearly three decades building expertise in private credit and middle-market lending. He’s not someone who stumbled into wealth—he methodically built it through years of experience in investment banking and asset management. His reputation in the financial community centers on his ability to identify lending opportunities that traditional banks often miss.
White Oak Global Advisors
White Oak Global Advisors stands as Hakkak’s crowning achievement. Founded in 2007 with co-founder Michael C. Behrens, the firm specializes in providing capital to middle-market companies that struggle to get financing from conventional sources.
The company operates across several lending platforms, including direct lending, asset-based lending, and equipment finance. White Oak’s performance speaks for itself—having deployed $24 billion in capital and maintaining a strong track record through various economic cycles, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
What sets White Oak apart is its focus on senior secured loans to businesses with established cash flows. This strategy provides downside protection while generating steady returns for investors. The firm’s success has made it a respected player in the private credit space, competing with much larger institutions.
Andre Hakkak Early Life and Education
Growing up in Tehran before moving to America, Hakkak experienced firsthand what it means to start over in a new country. His family relocated to the United States when he was young, settling in California.
He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his degree in finance. Berkeley’s rigorous academic environment gave him the analytical tools he’d need for his future career. During his time there, he developed an interest in credit markets and alternative financing, subjects that would become his specialty.
The combination of his immigrant experience and solid education created a unique perspective. He understood both the value of taking calculated risks and the importance of thorough analysis—traits that would define his investment approach.
Career Journey and Wealth Building
Hakkak’s career didn’t start at the top. He began in investment banking, working for established firms where he learned the mechanics of corporate finance and lending. These early years taught him how to evaluate creditworthiness, structure deals, and manage risk.
Before founding White Oak, he established Alpine Global Inc., another lending-focused venture. Alpine provided him with hands-on experience in direct lending and showed him the gaps in the middle-market financing space. This experience proved invaluable when he launched White Oak in 2007—arguably the worst possible time, given the impending financial crisis.
However, timing turned out to be perfect. As traditional banks pulled back from lending during the crisis, White Oak stepped in to fill the void. The firm grew rapidly by providing capital to businesses that couldn’t get financing elsewhere. This countercyclical approach laid the foundation for White Oak’s long-term success and Hakkak’s personal wealth accumulation.
Andre Hakkak Wife and Family
Andre Hakkak is married to Marissa Shipman, an accomplished entrepreneur in her own right. Shipman founded theBalm Cosmetics, a successful beauty brand she built from scratch in her kitchen. Her company gained international recognition and was eventually sold to a private equity firm.
Their marriage represents a power couple in the business world. Both understand the challenges of building companies and managing growth. They have children together and maintain a relatively private family life despite their business success.
Marissa’s entrepreneurial journey complements Andre’s financial expertise. While he focuses on lending and credit markets, she built a consumer brand that resonated with customers worldwide. Their combined business acumen creates a household where strategic thinking and calculated risk-taking are part of everyday conversation.
Real Estate and Luxury Assets
Hakkak’s real estate portfolio reflects his financial success. In 2024, he made headlines by purchasing a waterfront mansion in Pinecrest, Florida, for $14.3 million. The property spans over 12,000 square feet and sits on a prime lot with water views.
He also owns a property in Coral Gables, Florida, purchased for $13.6 million. These Miami-area homes place him in one of the country’s most exclusive real estate markets. South Florida has become a magnet for finance executives, and Hakkak’s choice to establish roots there makes sense given the state’s tax advantages and lifestyle benefits.
Beyond real estate, his assets likely include investment portfolios, equity stakes in various ventures, and liquid holdings. Wealthy individuals at his level typically maintain diversified portfolios that protect against market volatility while generating returns.
Andre Hakkak Age and Personal Details
At 52 years old, Hakkak is in the prime of his career. He maintains a low public profile, preferring to let his business results speak for themselves. Unlike some finance executives who court media attention, he focuses on running White Oak and serving his investors.
His daily routine involves oversight of White Oak’s lending operations, meeting with potential borrowers, and strategic planning for the firm’s growth. He serves on White Oak’s investment committee, where he helps evaluate potential deals and set risk parameters.
Despite his wealth, he doesn’t appear in gossip columns or celebrity news. His focus remains on business operations and family life. This approach has helped him avoid the controversies that sometimes plague high-profile executives.
Investment Philosophy and Strategies
Hakkak’s investment philosophy centers on senior secured lending to established businesses. He looks for companies with proven cash flows, tangible assets, and experienced management teams. This conservative approach prioritizes capital preservation while generating consistent returns.
White Oak typically lends to businesses in the $5 million to $75 million range—a sweet spot where companies need more capital than traditional banks provide but aren’t large enough for public debt markets. This middle-market focus reduces competition and allows White Oak to negotiate favorable terms.
Risk management drives every decision. The firm conducts thorough due diligence, maintains strict underwriting standards, and monitors borrowers closely. This disciplined approach has helped White Oak navigate multiple economic downturns without catastrophic losses.
White Oak’s Market Performance
White Oak’s recent performance demonstrates the strength of its business model. The firm has expanded its lending platforms, increased assets under management, and maintained strong investor relationships. Its success in deploying capital efficiently has attracted institutional investors seeking stable returns in an uncertain environment.
The private credit market has grown substantially in recent years as traditional banks face regulatory constraints. This trend benefits firms like White Oak that can move quickly and structure creative financing solutions. Hakkak has positioned the company to capitalize on this secular shift in lending markets.
Income Sources and Revenue Streams
Hakkak’s income flows from multiple channels. As CEO of White Oak, he receives compensation that likely includes base salary, bonuses tied to firm performance, and profit participation. Given the firm’s size and success, this compensation is substantial.
His ownership stake in White Oak generates distributions from the firm’s profits. When White Oak earns fees from its lending activities and realizes gains on its portfolio, Hakkak benefits proportionally. These distributions can vary based on the firm’s annual performance but likely represent his largest income source.
Real estate appreciation adds another dimension. His Miami properties have likely increased in value since purchase, building equity. He may also earn investment income from personal holdings outside of White Oak, though these details aren’t publicly disclosed.
Andre Hakkak Lifestyle and Spending
Despite his wealth, Hakkak doesn’t flaunt a flashy lifestyle. He lives in luxurious homes but doesn’t seek attention for his spending. His focus remains on business growth rather than conspicuous consumption.
His spending likely includes typical expenses for someone at his wealth level: property maintenance, travel, private education for his children, and charitable giving. Living in Miami provides access to world-class dining, cultural events, and recreational activities that he and his family can enjoy.
The balance between enjoying success and maintaining focus on business growth characterizes his approach to wealth. He’s built something substantial with White Oak, and that achievement seems to matter more to him than public recognition of his net worth.
Andre Hakkak’s financial journey shows what’s possible when expertise meets opportunity. From his start as an immigrant to his current position as a respected finance executive, he’s built wealth through patient, strategic decision-making. His story offers lessons about finding underserved markets, maintaining discipline during crises, and building something lasting rather than chasing quick profits.
