Salim Hirji

Salim Hirji is a Partner in Private Equity at Apollo, focusing on investments across the consumer, retail, and business services sectors. He joined Apollo in 2013 after beginning his career in the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs. Salim graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science.

Salim has served on the boards of PetSmart, Inc., The Michaels Companies, and Trace3 Holdings, and previously held board roles with Yahoo!, Presidio Holdings, Mood Media, and ACRA Re. His work reflects a commitment to driving sustainable profitability, and in 2018 Salim was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30 — Finance” list.

Motivated by the intersection of business and philanthropy along with a love of pets, Salim is proud to serve on the board of PetSmart Charities.

Mission Moments

with Salim Hirji

Why do you think pets are important in the lives of people?

In my experience, pets are family members. They love you unconditionally and are there for you on the best and worst of days. The bond pet parents form with their animals brings joy, comfort, and a sense of purpose to both. One of my favorite parts of the day is walking in from work to be greeted by my dog Lucy!

What makes you most excited about working with PetSmart Charities?

An opportunity to contribute to a much-needed mandate. Whether increasing adoption rates for animals in shelters, fighting pet hunger, protecting pets during humanitarian disasters, or expanding access to veterinary care, as one of the largest animal-focused non-profit organizations, PetSmart Charities has the potential to impact millions of outcomes. Helping animals on that scale really appeals to me.

What’s one stigma about pet parenting you wish would end?

That an apartment or home without a big yard is not suitable for pet ownership. My dog has the time of her life playing fetch in our apartment hallway!