Succession: Stephen Schwartzman (24) served as CEO of Blackstone for 41 years, one of the longest tenures of any leader of a major American corporation. However, the question of inheritance has already been decided. John Gray, our president and chief operating officer, will replace me. He is 56 years old, 23 years younger than me.

Succession: Stephen Schwartzman (24) served as CEO of Blackstone for 41 years, one of the longest tenures of any leader of a major American corporation. However, the question of inheritance has already been decided. John Gray, our president and chief operating officer, will replace me. He is 56 years old, 23 years younger than me.