Robert Harper Named Interim CEO of Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust

Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust Inc., or BREIT, has appointed Robert Harper as its interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. The appointment follows the tragic passing of Wesley M. LePatner, who served as the real estate investment trust’s CEO.

LePatner, who died on July 28 following a mass shooting at Blackstone Inc.’s Manhattan headquarters, was a highly respected and influential senior executive at the investment giant (NYSE:BX). She served as chief operating officer and a director before taking on the CEO role earlier this year.

In a statement, BREIT acknowledged her immense contributions, noting that “her brilliance, generosity, and impact on Blackstone and beyond will never be forgotten.” LePatner, 43, was also a dedicated philanthropist and community leader.

Harper, 47, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has been a director of BREIT since August 2023 and became co-president in March 2025. He previously served as the company’s president and head of asset management. A senior managing director at Blackstone, Harper has been with the firm since 2002, where he has been involved in analyzing real estate equity and debt investments across all property types.

Harper’s career at Blackstone has included stints in Los Angeles and London, where he led the Blackstone real estate debt strategies business in Europe. Before joining Blackstone, he worked in Morgan Stanley’s real estate private equity group. He is a graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and serves on the boards of the World Monuments Fund and the McIntire School of Commerce Foundation.

The company stated that Harper will continue in his role as co-president and director while serving as interim CEO. The board is committed to honoring LePatner’s legacy as they move forward.

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