Avista Capital Partners today announced that Brian Markison has joined the firm as a healthcare Industry Executive. Mr. Markison has more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceuticals sector, most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Fougera Pharmaceuticals, a dermatology-focused pharmaceuticals company that was spun off from Nycomed in 2011 and sold to Sandoz, the generics division of Novartis, in July 2012.
“We have known and worked with Brian for years, and we are delighted to have him join our team. The healthcare sector has been a core strength for Avista since the firm’s inception,” said Thompson Dean, Co-Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Avista. “Brian’s operating expertise will be invaluable as we continue to support the growth of our current healthcare investments, while evaluating new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare services.”
In connection with his new position, Mr. Markison has joined the Board of Directors of Lantheus Medical Imaging, an Avista portfolio company
Before leading Fougera, Mr. Markison was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of King Pharmaceuticals, which he joined as Chief Operating Officer in March 2004, and was promoted to President and CEO later that year, and elected Chairman in 2007. Prior to joining King, Mr. Markison held various senior leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb, including President of Oncology, Virology and Oncology Therapeutics Network; President of Neuroscience, Infectious Disease and Dermatology; and Senior Vice President, Operational Excellence and Productivity.
“Avista has a well-earned reputation for supporting strong management teams and adding real value to the companies in its portfolio. I am honored to be joining the firm, and I look forward to helping it achieve continued success in the global healthcare industry,” said Mr. Markison.
Avista Capital Partners makes control or influential minority investments in growth-oriented energy, healthcare, communications & media, industrials, and consumer businesses. The firm was founded in 2005 and is based in New York with offices in Houston and London (www.avistacap.com).
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 9-12-12
