Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Dies in New York City Shooting Incident
Wesley M. LePatner: A Prominent Real Estate Executive and Philanthropist Killed in Shooting
Wesley M. LePatner, a senior managing director at Blackstone and the CEO of the Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, was among the four people tragically killed in a shooting at the company's headquarters in Midtown, New York, on Monday.
LePatner, who was also the global head of Blackstone's Core+ Real Estate division, joined the firm in 2014, having previously worked at Goldman Sachs. Her career at Blackstone positioned her as a key figure in real estate investment, shaping significant portfolios and strategies. She oversaw a $53 billion portfolio as the head of the Real Estate Income Trust.
In addition to her successful career, LePatner was a prominent real estate executive and philanthropist, playing a major leadership role in one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers. Her philanthropic commitments extended beyond her corporate role, as she was also recognized as an engaged member of New York’s Jewish community and a mother of two.
In a statement, Max Hollein, the director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, expressed his admiration for LePatner's deep understanding, empathy, and serious commitment to the institution. LePatner was recently elected to the Met's board in February, and it was anticipated that she would advance the museum's mission. Prior to her board appointment, she was a member of the Met's Friends of European Paintings group, which provides members with access to tours, private collections, talks, and receptions at the Met.
Max Hollein believed LePatner would have been a key part of the Met for decades. In announcing her appointment, board cochairs Candace K. Beinecke and Hamilton ("Tony") E. James expressed their anticipation of LePatner's contribution to the board.
LePatner's family described her as a loving wife, mother, and daughter, as well as a loyal and caring friend and a driven and extraordinarily talented professional and colleague. She is survived by her husband Evan LePatner and two children.
The office building where the shooting took place is located at 345 Park Avenue, which is the headquarters of Blackstone. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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- Wesley M. LePatner, a philanthropist and prominent figure in the art world, had recently been elected to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's board, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the arts.
- Despite her successful career in real estate, LePatner also had a passion for art and was a member of the Met's Friends of European Paintings group, which provides access to art-related experiences.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art's director, Max Hollein, believed LePatner's deep understanding and commitment to the institution would have led to significant contributions to the museum's mission.
- In the general-news sector, the shooting at Blackstone's headquarters was widely reported, but LePatner's love for art and her role in the art world were also subjects of discussion in certain art-related news outlets and platforms.
