Investment firm Blackstone has announced the appointment of Devin Glenn as Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I).
Glenn will be a Managing Director responsible for continuing to implement policies and initiatives that will help Blackstone achieve a more diverse and inclusive workplace at Blackstone and its portfolio companies. “We’ve long been committed to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion at the firm. In recent years, we’ve expanded our recruiting pipeline, introduced new programmes to increase engagement and retention of employees and set goals for more diverse boards,” stated Paige Ross, Blackstone’s Global Head of Human Resources. “I’m thrilled to welcome Devin to the firm as we continue to push ourselves to be a leader in this area.”
DIVERSITY PROFESSIONAL
Glenn joins from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP where she was the Assistant Director of DE&I. In that role, she advanced and increased awareness of the firm’s global DE&I strategy; executed recruiting, retention and client development initiatives; and launched an industry-leading diversity pipeline programme for high-potential first-year law students. Prior to that, she spent the last decade in various positions related to diversity and inclusion at the law firm; as well as working as an associate in its banking and institutional investing division. Glenn has a BA from the University of Virginia and a JD from Columbia Law School. She is a member of the New York State Bar and the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals.
Commenting on the appointment, Glenn stated: “I look forward to helping Blackstone continue to integrate DE&I principles into the workplace culture and the various talent and business functions, and also ensure that we leverage its expansive platform to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the industries and communities it serves. The firm-wide commitment has impressed me and I’m excited about what we can accomplish in the coming months and years.”
DIVERSITY INITIATIVES
Blackstone is focused on widening its funnel of applicants; and broadening the schools it recruits from up to 44, including more Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Across its portfolio, Blackstone launched a firm-wide mandate in 2020 targeting at least one-third diverse representation on portfolio company boards for new control investments starting in the US and Europe. It also started Career Pathways; a pilot programme run by Marcus Felder, Vice President in Portfolio Operations. The programme aims to create employment opportunities and career mobility at Blackstone’s portfolio companies for people from underserved communities.
In addition to Blackstone LaunchPad, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation’s student entrepreneurship and career readiness programme, it announced a $40 million commitment to expand from 30 to 75 campuses over the next five years; focusing on colleges and universities with a majority diverse population or serving under-resourced communities.
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