Blackstone Group LP is conducting a candidate interview process to replace Andrew Dowler, who is stepping down as the private equity firm's head of public affairs in Europe, Private Equity News reported, citing unnamed sources.

Dowler will resign later in 2018 after five years of service at Blackstone. He is based in the firm's London office.

The communications team at the firm is led by Global Head of Public Affairs Christine Anderson, who is based in New York.