Mitch Julis stands as a prominent figure in the world of finance, most notably recognized as the Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Canyon Partners, LLC, a leading investment management firm. His journey is marked by exceptional academic achievements, a deep understanding of distressed and special situation investing, and a commitment to both professional excellence and philanthropic endeavors.
Julis’s foundation is rooted in a strong academic background. He graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, demonstrating early academic prowess. He continued his education at Harvard University, earning both a Juris Doctor (magna cum laude) from Harvard Law School and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with honors from Harvard Business School. His commitment to education is further highlighted by an honorary doctorate from Yeshiva University of New York, awarded in 2011, and an Honorary Fellowship from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in 2019.
Before establishing Canyon Partners, Julis honed his expertise in distressed and special situation securities at Drexel Burnham Lambert. There, he directed a team of professionals managing a portfolio focused on these complex investments. His early career also includes a stint as a bankruptcy and creditors’ rights attorney at the prestigious law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz in New York, providing him with a critical legal perspective on the financial landscape. This experience in law and distressed assets laid the groundwork for his future success at Canyon Partners.
The formation of Canyon Partners marked a pivotal moment in Julis’s career. Alongside Co-Founder Josh Friedman, he built Canyon Partners into a globally recognized investment firm specializing in alternative investments. Their leadership has steered Canyon Partners to navigate complex market situations and deliver value for its investors. His deep knowledge in distressed credits and special situation investing, evidenced by his numerous publications in law journals and periodicals, positions him as a thought leader in the field and a key asset to Canyon Partners.
Recognition of Julis’s contributions extends beyond Canyon Partners’ success. In 2014, Institutional Investor honored Julis and Friedman with a “Lifetime Achievement” Award, acknowledging their significant impact on the investment industry. This prestigious award underscores the long-term influence and respected standing of Canyon Partners and its leadership.
Beyond his professional achievements at Canyon Partners, Julis is actively involved in numerous educational and cultural institutions. He serves as a Trustee of the Brown University Corporation, a member of the Board of Governors at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University, and on the Board of Trustees at Yeshiva University. His past service on the Board of Trustees at Princeton University and current membership on advisory councils at Princeton further demonstrate his dedication to higher education. His commitment extends to the arts as well, as evidenced by his position on the Lincoln Center Theater Board of Directors. Furthermore, his role in establishing the Harvard Law School Program on Jewish and Israeli Law showcases his commitment to fostering academic initiatives.
Residing in Dallas, TX, with his wife Joleen and their four children, Mitch Julis exemplifies a balance between professional leadership at Canyon Partners and a dedication to education, philanthropy, and family. His career trajectory showcases a blend of academic rigor, legal expertise, and business acumen, making him a driving force behind the sustained success and respected reputation of Canyon Partners in the competitive world of investment management.
