Former Chicago Treasurer Kurt Summers has joined Blackstone's infrastructure group as head of public private partnerships to advance the firm's local infrastructure work.
Summers, 42, will be based in New York City. He will join more than 50 employees in the Public-Private Partnership group within the firm’s Infrastructure business.
In his new role, Summers will look for investment strategies in partnership with local governments, civic and labor organizations, and other stakeholders to “help advance local infrastructure priorities,” the firm said in a release. He will have a “keen focus” on advancing Blackstone's environmental, social and governance efforts.
“Blackstone Infrastructure remains dedicated to partnering with local and state governments – they are vital to ensuring infrastructure projects achieve the goals of their communities and stakeholders – and we look forward to expanding on these efforts with Kurt,” said Sean Klimczak, Global Head of Infrastructure at Blackstone, in the statement.
Blackstone has committed $14 billion in an array of infrastructure sectors, including energy, transportation and digital, according to the firm's website.
Before he joined Blackstone Infrastructure, Summers – who was a
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Before serving as treasurer, Summers was a senior vice-president at Grosvenor Capital Management and chief of staff to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
"I look forward to partnering with government entities, asset owners, local communities, and other stewards of public assets to leverage Blackstone’s capital, experience and commitment to ESG to further develop American Infrastructure," Summers said.
