In conversation with... Alex Walsh, Blackstone

Blackstone senior managing director Alex Walsh speaks to Unquote
editor Harriet Matthews about his career in private equity,
LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in the industry, and the
outlook on investing in the current market.


Walsh began his career in the financial services industry in 2004
and joined Blackstone in 2022, with a focus on private equity
consumer and leisure investments. Beyond his investment team
responsibilities, he is also a member of the firm’s LGBTQ+
inclusion taskforce, OUT Blackstone.


In an interview with Unquote, Walsh discusses how and why he got
into the private equity industry, as well as how the industry has
changed during this time.


He also discusses LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in the
private equity industry, including what workplaces can do to
create an inclusive environment and how this fits with
Blackstone’s overall ESG goals.


In the final part of the conversation, Walsh shares his outlook
on the current market, taking into account the rising cost of
capital and Blackstone’s approach to deal sourcing.


2:12 – Alex’s career trajectory and motivation


5:11 – Skills and experiences


7:32 – PE industry development


10:33 – LGBTQ+ representation development and inclusion


15:00 – Cementing inclusivity in the workplace


17:30 – ESG at Blackstone and its portfolio


20:18 – The macro picture


23:02 – Deal sourcing and opportunities in the current market


If you would like to hear more podcasts produced by ION
Analytics, you can access the ION Analytics channel on Apple
Podcasts.


Theme music: 2012 Kick Up The Fire