Early Life
Joseph Baratta was born in Sacramento, California. He graduated from Jesuit High School in the Sacramento area in 1989, and then from Georgetown University in 1993, earning a magna cum laude degree.
Rise to Success
Baratta's career took off when he joined Blackstone in 1998. He moved to London in 2001 to establish Blackstone's private equity business in Europe. He became a Senior Managing Director in 2004 and Head of European Private Equity in 2010. In July 2012, he was named Global Head of Private Equity. Under his leadership, Blackstone has made successful investments in companies like SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Merlin Entertainments, and Center Parcs.
Key Business Strategies
Baratta's strategic vision has been crucial to Blackstone's success. He has been instrumental in shaping the private equity arm, including leading successful deals like the 2007 buyout of Hilton Hotels. His experience at Morgan Stanley in the mergers and acquisitions department, and his work at investment firms like Tinicum Incorporated and McCown De Leeuw & Company, provided him with a strong foundation.
Philanthropy
Baratta serves on the board of Year Up, an organization dedicated to closing the opportunity divide, and is also a trustee of the Tate Foundation.