ED HARRISON

From “The Way Forward" Conference: Jon Gray, President and COO, Blackstone

Jon Gray, ED HARRISON

Blackstone leverages its $150 billion in dry powder to capitalize on pandemic-accelerated sectors like logistics and digital infrastructure while navigating short-term headwinds in traditional urban real estate and retail. The firm anticipates a staggered "slow recovery" economy that will permanently alter workplace dynamics and force significant capital adaptation in the retail and hospitality industries. By prioritizing long-term asset resilience over rapid exits, Blackstone aims to generate returns for essential service pension funds while managing a transition toward hybrid work models and more diverse, inclusive corporate cultures.