New York
Jul 2, 2025
Charles Cohen fires back at Fortress in finance squabble
Developer claims he isn’t shielding assets to “evade a judgment”
New YorkDrew McKnight
Fortress Investment Group isn’t specifically a real estate firm. But as an investor, the private equity juggernaut has significant sway in the world of New York dealmaking.
The company has been appearing in headlines for its battle with billionaire Charles Cohen from whom Fortress is hoping to collect a $187 million judgement. But the headlines with Cohen have overshadowed Fortress’s role as a lender and debtholder in New York’s real estate world.
McKnight has led the firm since 2023. He shared the CEO position with Joshua Pack until the latter’s unexpected death in 2025 at 51. He now shares the CEO role with Jack Neumark.
Recently, McKnight has made headlines for his opposition to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, telling the New York Post that Mamdani’s mayoralty would make expansion in Dallas more attractive.
