Verdun Perry

Blackstone Strategic Partners

Verdun S. Perry has the respect of the entire alternative investment community. His success at arguably the most competitive and successful alternatives firm globally, Blackstone, is a testament to what is possible for people of color at predominantly white institutional investment firms. While building a business and growing his influence inside the $1 trillion asset manager, he has never wavered in his commitment to being an example and opening doors for less represented groups. He called out his industry stating, “The private equity industry needs to step up when it comes to diversifying its ranks and increase the number of places where it seeks out talent.” Perry holds the esteemed position of Global Head at Blackstone Strategic Partners, a leading secondary fund manager in the global market. Perry gained valuable experience at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon and Eckhardt, Inc. He further honed his skills in the Investment Banking Division at Morgan Stanley. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman of Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO), a dedicated organization working towards narrowing the opportunity gap for minority high school and college students while fostering diversity in the financial services sector. Additionally, Perry holds various board positions, including at Morehouse College where he contributes as a member of the Financial Sustainability Committee, the Partnership for Education Advancement, the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund, and notably serves as the Chairman of the Blackstone Charitable Foundation.