Karen Garza

Karen Garza is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in advisory roles and operational leadership, currently serving as an Operating Advisor at Blackstone since September 2024. Previously, Karen was a Board Member at Interstate Batteries and held the position of Managing Director at Brookfield Asset Management, driving significant value creation initiatives. Notable achievements include leading a Commercial Excellence initiative that surpassed financial targets and acting as interim Chief Human Resource Officer for a major portfolio company. Prior to Brookfield, Karen served as Senior Vice President at Lehman Brothers, overseeing a $24 billion portfolio and facilitating $7 billion in recoveries. With roots in investment banking and consulting through firms such as Lehman Brothers, ABN AMRO, and Loughlin Management Partners, Karen has developed a strong track record in performance improvement, corporate finance, and strategic transformations. Karen holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BA from Northwestern University.