Who is behind BlackRock?

Could you tell me more about the entity known as BlackRock? Who exactly founded this investment management corporation? Are there any notable individuals or organizations that hold significant stakes or have had a major influence on its operations? Is BlackRock's leadership transparent, and have there been any recent changes in its senior management that investors should be aware of? Lastly, how does BlackRock's corporate structure and ownership impact its strategies and performance in the global financial markets?