BlackRock has marked five years since opening its Atlanta office, which now employs nearly 900 people. The firm’s local operations have expanded beyond initial expectations, with a focus on contributing to BlackRock’s global strategic plan for 2030. “It’s no longer about simply hiring; it’s about how those people are contributing to the business,” said Marc Balizer, Managing Director and co-lead of BlackRock’s Atlanta office.
The Atlanta location includes client service teams, 350 engineers working on BlackRock AI, one of the company’s busiest trading desks, and various corporate functions such as HR and legal. Balizer emphasized that future priorities will be on leadership development and continued team growth over the next two years.
Balizer highlighted strong partnerships with metro Atlanta colleges and universities as key to building a talent pipeline. He noted that these institutions welcomed BlackRock from the start: “Universities now see this as a partnership – they need us, and we need them. They welcome us into classrooms; their professors speak to our teams, and there’s a strong give-and-take.”
During BlackRock’s site search, the Metro Atlanta Chamber played an important role in showcasing the region’s collaborative business environment. Balizer recalled: “The Metro Atlanta Chamber organized a dinner and invited major Atlanta companies like Delta, Home Depot, Southern Company… There was a genuine friendship among Atlanta’s business leaders.” This sense of community was cited as a significant factor in choosing Atlanta over other finalist cities.
Discussing what sets Atlanta apart for businesses, Balizer said: “In Atlanta…business is rooted in community. Yes, competition and performance matter, but relationships matter too, on a level I haven’t seen anywhere else in the world.”
Looking ahead five to ten years, Balizer stated that BlackRock intends to continue investing in its Atlanta presence due to the city’s talent pool and quality of life. He pointed out attractions such as sports events, cultural venues like the Center for Civil and Human Rights—which recently reopened with new exhibits—and local dining options.
Employee relocation experiences have been positive according to Balizer: “For families like mine, the schools are excellent…and the sense of community is real.” He added that younger professionals appreciate both career opportunities and social life in the city.
BlackRock’s office location on the Beltline has also aided recruitment efforts by offering walkability and access to local amenities. “People know where we are. They enjoy being here…This location is great for us,” he said.
Summing up why BlackRock chose Atlanta, Balizer concluded: “…because of the amazing talent and people who are here.”
