Howard A. Lipson is a Senior Managing Director in the principal investment group. Since joining Blackstone in 1988, Mr. Lipson has been responsible for and involved in the execution of Blackstone's purchase of Six Flags (a joint venture with TimeWarner), the acquisition of Graham Packaging, and Blackstone's investments in Universal Orlando, Allied Waste Industries, Volume Services America, Ritvik Toys, UCAR, US Radio, and Transtar among others. He currently serves as a Director of AMF, Allied Waste Industries, Graham Packaging, Volume Services America, Rose Hills, Prime Succession, Ritvik Toys, and Universal Orlando. Prior to joining Blackstone, Mr. Lipson was a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions Group of Salomon Brothers Inc. Mr. Lipson graduated with honors from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.