Blackstone Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Nostalgic 1980s Tribute Video
Blackstone celebrated its 40th anniversary this year with a humorous holiday video, a tradition on Wall Street. This year’s edition features a nostalgic nod to the 1980s, showcasing the firm’s efforts to appear more relatable to a diverse audience.
Highlights of Blackstone’s 40th Anniversary Video
- The video kicks off with President Jon Gray presenting a Ken Burns-style tribute.
- Gray humorously contemplates firing Ken Burns during a midlife crisis.
- It culminates in a lively 1980s musical number.
Cameos and Special Features
- Famed actor Danny DeVito appears, promoting Blackstone in a light-hearted commercial linked to his Jersey Mike’s contract.
- The video includes comedic moments featuring CEO Steve Schwarzman, who jokingly mentions DJing as a new hobby.
- Goldman Sachs head David Solomon also makes a guest appearance.
- A standout moment includes a perfectly executed “Dirty Dancing” lift by an executive.
The Purpose Behind the Video
Jon Gray mentioned during the Goldman Sachs Financial Analyst Conference that the video serves to “make fun of ourselves.” Blackstone aims to connect with its growing number of shareholders, which currently stands at around 300,000.
This playful approach reflects Blackstone’s strategy to humanize itself amidst its stature as the world’s largest private investor. The firm’s creative video productions are part of a broader effort to engage with investors more personally.
