Portfolio Insights

What’s Ahead for Blackstone Veterans Hiring Initiative

This year, Blackstone has continued to pioneer the hiring of military veterans across our portfolio. Michael McDermott, who has helped develop and implement Blackstone’s Veterans Initiative, discussed with us what's ahead for the program.

Blackstone today announced that it has reached its goal of hiring 50,000 American military veterans, caregivers and spouses across its portfolio of companies, one year ahead of its original five-year target. The firm also announced it has committed to a new goal of hiring 50,000 additional military veterans, caregivers, and spouses in the next five years.

Blackstone made the initial 50,000 job commitment in April 2013 as part of the White House’s “Joining Forces” initiative championed by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, encouraging private sector hiring of veterans.

Stephen A. Schwarzman, Blackstone’s Chairman, CEO and Co-founder, said: “America’s military veterans embody the traits that help our portfolio companies succeed and grow. These men and women are hardworking, adaptable, collaborative, reliable, and possess the highest integrity. We are excited about the success of this initiative and look forward to expanding its impact in the future to support our country’s veterans and their loved ones.”

These hiring goals are just one part of Blackstone’s broader efforts to support our country’s veterans. Blackstone and its portfolio companies also emphasize the importance of creating support structures to help veterans transition into their new private sector careers and retain those jobs, among other initiatives. For additional information on Blackstone’s veterans hiring efforts, please visit http://www.blackstone.com/careers/veterans-initiative.  


About Blackstone

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with over $360 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

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