Michael S. Gross

Biographical Information
"Mr. Michael S. Gross is Independent Director of Saks Inc. Since March 2007, Mr. Gross has served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Solar Capital, Ltd., a finance company focusing on debt and equity investments in leveraged companies. Mr. Gross was co-chairman of the investment committee of Magnetar Financial LLC, an investment management firm, and a senior partner in Magnetar Capital Partners LP, the holding company for Magnetar Financial LLC, from July 2006 to April 2009. Mr. Gross was the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of Marathon Acquisition Corp. from April 2006 to August 2008. Between February 2004 and February 2006, Mr. Gross was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Apollo Investment Corporation, a publicly traded business development company that he founded and on whose board of directors and investment committee he served as Chairman from February 2004 to July 2006, and was the managing partner of Apollo Investment Corporation. From 1990 to February 2006, Mr. Gross was a senior partner at Apollo Management LP, a private equity firm that he co-founded in 1990. In addition, from 2003 to February 2006, Mr. Gross was the managing partner of Apollo Distressed Investment Fund, an investment fund that he founded. He serves on the boards of directors of Jarden Corporation and Global Ship Lease, Inc. Mr. Gross also served as a director of Alternative Asset Management Acquisition Corporation and United Rentals within the last five years. Mr. Gross has more than 20 years of leadership experience through the management of various investment funds and companies and through his service on several public company boards. As a founding partner of Apollo Investment Corporation, he was instrumental in setting its strategic direction and attaining its substantial growth. Through his investment company and board affiliations, Mr. Gross has assisted several companies in addressing key financial and operational issues."