Blackstone Achieves Its Goal of 100,000 Veterans, Veteran Spouses and Caregivers Hired Across Portfolio Companies

Blackstone (NYSE: BX) is proud to announce that 100,000 veterans, veteran spouses and caregivers have been hired across its portfolio companies through the Veterans Hiring Initiative since 2013. This achievement doubles the initial hiring commitment made by Blackstone Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder Steve Schwarzman in 2013 in response to the national call to action issued by First Ladies Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to support veterans and their families.

At a 2013 White House event, Mr. Schwarzman heard then-First Lady Michelle Obama speak about the serious challenges veterans face as they transition to civilian life. Determined to tackle the problem, he returned to Blackstone and pledged to leverage its internal resources and work with portfolio companies to hire 50,000 veterans, veteran spouses and caregivers over the course of five years.

By 2017, Blackstone portfolio companies hit that target one year ahead of schedule, and the firm redoubled its efforts. Blackstone committed to hiring another 50,000 portfolio-wide in five years. This year, Blackstone portfolio companies achieved that goal, hiring a total of 100,000 veterans, veteran spouses and caregivers – only eight years from Mr. Schwarzman’s original pledge.

“We are honored by the opportunity to support American veterans and their families,” said Steve Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone. “These individuals offer their talent, commitment and leadership to our country – and yet far too often, their remarkable abilities remain untapped by the private sector. The White House called on businesses to hire from this unique talent pool, and we couldn’t be prouder of how Blackstone portfolio companies stepped up and answered that call.”

“Veterans and their spouses crave meaningful work that makes a difference, and Blackstone offers exactly these kinds of opportunities,” added General (ret.) David L. Goldfein, 21^st Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and Senior Advisor at Blackstone. “This milestone exemplifies how effective partnership between the public and private sectors can powerfully respond and make a lasting positive impact on both veterans and Blackstone portfolio companies.”

“For nearly a decade, Blackstone’s companies have led by example, giving veterans and military spouses the training and skillsets to help them find long-term, meaningful careers,” said Eric Eversole, President of Hiring Our Heroes. “Their commitment and passion have made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless military families and we are honored to work with them.”