Private equity firm Advent International has appointed Hanspeter Spek to its operating partner programme.
An executive with extensive operational experience in the global pharmaceuticals and healthcare industries, Spek (pictured) will advise and work closely with Advent’s healthcare team to identify attractive investment opportunities and generate post-investment value in the areas of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals-related services globally.
Spek’s industry expertise spans several decades. Most recently he served as Sanofi’s president of global operations, having held a variety of positions since he joined the firm in 1985 as marketing director of Sanofi Pharma GmbH, the company’s German subsidiary. He progressed through the group serving in a number of roles in Germany and France before being named senior vice president Europe following the merger with Synthélabo in 1999. He was executive vice president, international operations from October 2000 until January 2003, when he was appointed executive vice president of worldwide operations of Sanofi-Synthélabo, later becoming Sanofi.
Before joining Sanofi, Spek worked at Pfizer International where he held various marketing and sales positions before becoming marketing director for the German subsidiary.
Tom Allen, Advent International, says: “We are delighted to welcome Hanspeter Spek to our operating partner programme. Advent is an active investor in the healthcare sector and pharmaceuticals is a key focus for the team, as evidenced by Advent’s recent acquisition of Mediq, a leading business delivering pharmaceuticals, medical devices and related care services. Hanspeter’s operational and financial experience gained from working within leading global pharmaceutical businesses will further enhance our capability to pursue opportunities in the sector and support our portfolio companies globally.”
Spek says: “Advent has an excellent track record in the healthcare sector with a diversified portfolio of investments. I look forward to sharing my industry knowledge and working closely with the Advent team to acquire and grow leading companies in the sector.”
Advent’s operating partner programme includes over 60 senior industry executives, many of whom have been involved in multiple Advent investments. These executives typically assist in activities such as finding attractive investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and creating and driving value creation plans for Advent’s portfolio companies.
