Bob Barthelmes is a Managing Director co-leading the Portfolio Technology Optimization group, where he provides strategic support and advice to the firm’s investment teams and portfolio companies with a particular focus on technology, operations, digital transformation, and Artificial Intelligence. Before joining Blackstone, Mr. Barthelmes served as a Senior Advisor to Blackstone, working to leverage Blackstone’s technology investments across the portfolio.

Prior to his engagement with Blackstone, he was the EVP and GM of the Open Source Division and CIO at Finastra (formerly Misys Corporation), as well as the Global Vice President of Business Consulting Services at IBM. His team at Misys was recognized in Harvard Business Review’s “Great Leaders in Innovation” for their pioneering work, which included the integration of AI technologies to enhance business processes.

Mr. Barthelmes earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, with a minor in computer science. He has also attended IBM Executive Programs at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he served on the Executive Committee for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the Dean College Board of Trustees, the Hibernia College Board of Overseers and the Beverly Education Foundation.