Finance

Blackstone hires former Apollo executive to lead European private equity

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 27, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Blackstone hires former Apollo executive to lead European private equity
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By Isla Binnie NEW YORK (Reuters) -Blackstone has appointed a former executive at private markets peer Apollo to head its European corporate private equity business, filling the role after the

Blackstone Appoints Former Apollo Executive to Lead European PE

By Isla Binnie

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Blackstone has appointed a former executive at private markets peer Apollo to head its European corporate private equity business, filling the role after the incumbent was promoted, the world's biggest alternative asset manager said on Monday.

Michele Raba will take charge in a region where Blackstone manages more than $350 billion in assets and thinks it could invest more than $500 billion over the next decade.

Blackstone's Global Head of Private Equity Strategies Joseph Baratta said in a statement: "Europe is core to our private equity business, and we are excited about the opportunity to drive continued growth in the region that builds on our strong foundations and local presence."

The firm's European private equity business has been run since 2012 by Lionel Assant, who is now moving to the role of Global co-Chief Investment Officer.

Raba previously led European Private Equity at Apollo, and prior to that worked at Goldman Sachs. He will step into his new role in April 2026.

Blackstone reported last week that its total assets under management had climbed to $1.24 trillion.

(Reporting by Isla Binnie; Editing by Conor Humphries)

Key Takeaways

  • Blackstone appoints Michele Raba as head of European private equity.
  • Raba previously led European private equity at Apollo.
  • Blackstone manages over $350 billion in European assets.
  • Lionel Assant moves to Global co-Chief Investment Officer.
  • Blackstone's assets under management reach $1.24 trillion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is private equity?
Private equity refers to investment funds that buy and restructure companies that are not publicly traded. These investments are typically made by private equity firms, venture capitalists, or accredited investors.
What is an asset manager?
An asset manager is a firm or individual responsible for managing investments on behalf of clients, including individuals and institutions, to achieve specific financial goals.
What is corporate finance?
Corporate finance involves the financial activities related to running a corporation, including capital investment decisions, funding strategies, and managing financial risks.
What is a financial statement?
A financial statement is a formal record of the financial activities and position of a business, person, or entity. It includes balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
What is investment strategy?
An investment strategy is a plan designed to guide an investor's decisions on how to allocate assets in order to achieve specific financial objectives.

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