Joseph Baratta

Joseph Baratta is Global Head of Private Equity and a member of the firm's Management Committee. Since joining Blackstone in 1998, Mr. Baratta has been involved in the execution of Blackstone’s investments in Universal Orlando, Nycomed Pharmaceuticals, Houghton Mifflin, Spirit Group and was responsible for Blackstone's investments in First Eagle Investment Management, Seaworld Parks and Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments Group, Center Parcs, Tragus Group, Southern Cross and ICS Group. In 2001, Mr. Baratta moved to London to help establish Blackstone’s corporate private equity business in Europe. Before joining Blackstone, Mr. Baratta was with Tinicum Incorporated and McCown De Leeuw & Company. Mr. Baratta also worked at Morgan Stanley in its mergers and acquisitions department. Mr. Baratta graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University where he currently serves on the University's Board of Directors. He serves as a director of Blackstone portfolio companies First Eagle Investment Management and Penn Engineering. He is also a trustee of the Tate Foundation in Britain and serves on the board of Year Up, an organization focused on youth employment.