Market Chatter: Blackstone's Private Equity Chief Joseph Baratta Preparing to Leave

03:11 PM EDT, 09/25/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Blackstone's (BX) global head of private equity, Joseph Baratta, is preparing to leave the firm, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. Baratta, who has been with Blackstone for nearly three decades and has led its private equity business since 2012, is also a board member and part of the firm's management committee, according to the report. The exact timing of his departure hasn't been determined but is likely to come around year-end, the report said. Blackstone did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires. The report noted that Jonathan Gray, Blackstone's president, is expected to succeed CEO Stephen Schwarzman, leaving limited room for advancement for a senior executive like Baratta. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.) Price: 118.41, Change: +1.20, Percent Change: +1.02