Creating Value in an Unstable Economy

Russell Steenberg is a 40-year veteran in the private equity industry and is transitioning from his role as a managing director and the global head of the BlackRock’s Private Equity Partners business to serve as Chairman for the business. First, we discuss the challenges Russell faced and the lessons he learned throughout the process of building and leading BlackRock’s PEP into its current form. Next, we take a look at some of the important qualitative traits and quantitative metrics that Russell considers when making investments. We also talk about current trends in private equity and how investors can take advantage of these trends. Finally, we wrap up our conversation by talking about how current macroeconomic conditions are affecting private equity and how investment professionals that have experienced market cycles will have to step up to weather the impending economic storm.