NEW YORK—Corporate and financial communications firm Sard Verbinnen & Co. has hired Peter Rose, former senior managing director and global head of public affairs for asset management giant Blackstone, amid rumors of the impending sale of a minority stake in the firm and senior level departures.

The New York Times reported earlier this week that partners George Sard [pictured) and Paul Verbinnen in talks to sell a 40 percent stake to longtime client and private equity firm Golden Gate Capital for $60 million. The newspaper also reported that partner Jonathan Gasthalter—a specialist in the hedge fund industry—has left to start his own firm.

At Blackstone, Rose led global media relations, and had additional responsibilities in government relations, internal communications and branding.

Before joining Blackstone, Rose was at Goldman Sachs for 20 years in a variety of senior positions in government and media relations in Washington, DC, New York and Hong Kong. Previously he was chief of staff to Congressman Mike Synar (D-Okla.) (1983-1987) and a partner at the law firm Williams and Jensen (1978-1983).