Private equity firm Avista Capital Partners has appointed Brian A Markison as a healthcare industry executive.
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.
Thompson Dean, co-managing partner and chief executive officer of Avista, says: "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. 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."
Markison says: "Avista has a well-earned reputation for supporting strong management teams and adding real value to the companies in its portfolio. I am honoured to be joining the firm, and I look forward to helping it achieve continued success in the global healthcare industry."
In connection with his new position, Markison has joined the board of directors of Lantheus Medical Imaging, an Avista portfolio company.
Before leading Fougera, 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, Markison held various senior leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.
