Blackstone has announced a significant leadership addition with the appointment of Franck Petitgas as Senior Managing Director and Vice Chairman for Europe, a newly created role that will take effect in January 2026.
The appointment reflects Blackstone’s plan to expand its senior client engagement and strategic initiatives throughout Europe as the firm deepens its presence across key sectors and continues its focus on backing large scale business and infrastructure growth.
Lord Petitgas will collaborate closely with Blackstone’s top leadership to advance strategic priorities while strengthening relationships with corporate leaders, institutional partners, and stakeholders across European markets.
His appointment comes as Blackstone remains one of the most active global investors in Europe, having operated in the region for more than 25 years with over $350 billion in assets across private equity, real estate, credit, and infrastructure. The firm expects to deploy more than $500 billion in European investments over the next decade, supported by the region’s digitalization, expansion of AI, electrification, and reindustrialization.
Petitgas brings decades of senior investment banking experience, including thirty years at Morgan Stanley, where he served as co-head of Global Investment Banking, a member of the Operating Committee, and later as Head of Morgan Stanley International. He retired from the firm in 2023 before being appointed Chief Business Adviser to the then UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He entered the House of Lords in 2024.
Blackstone noted that his background in global finance, combined with his leadership experience and European network, positions him to play a central role in shaping the firm’s long-term regional strategy.
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“We are excited to welcome Franck to Blackstone. His experience at the highest levels of international finance and strong relationships across Europe will deepen our engagement in the region as we accelerate efforts to finance, build, and scale great businesses and critical infrastructure.”
Stephen A. Schwarzman, Co Founder, Chairman and CEO
“I believe Blackstone is the most consequential firm in investing today, deploying capital to address some of the region’s most critical investment needs. I’m thrilled to join this outstanding team to help strengthen its commitment to Europe – supporting growth, innovation, and long-term value creation across the region.”
Franck Petitgas, Incoming Senior Managing Director and Vice Chairman, Europe
