Prominent market strategist and author Byron Wien has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy spanning over 50 years in the finance industry. Wien, who spent 14 years at Blackstone and most recently held the position of vice chairman in the private wealth business, was well-known for his annual “10 Surprises” list. Despite a challenging upbringing, Wien rose to become a household name in finance, gaining a large following among financial advisers and wealthy individuals.
Wien began publishing his predictions in 1986, focusing on low-probability outcomes that had a better-than-50% likelihood of occurring. While he certainly made some incorrect predictions throughout his career, his forecasts were closely followed and had the power to impact financial markets. His writing provided Blackstone with a strong following among financial advisers and wealthy individuals.
Throughout his career, Wien received numerous accolades, including being named the most widely read analyst and the No. 1 strategist. In addition to his professional achievements, Wien believed in the value of lifelong work and published a list of 20 lessons he had learned throughout his life.
In recent years, Wien worked closely with his successor, Joe Zidle, to formulate the “10 Surprises” list. This collaboration ensured that Wien’s influence would continue to shape the financial industry even after his passing.
Wien was married twice during his lifetime and is survived by his second wife, Anita Volz. As news of his passing spreads, the finance community mourns the loss of a true industry icon. His contributions and insights will be sorely missed, but his impact will be felt for years to come.
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