Frazier Healthcare Partners reinforces its Centre of Excellence with the hiring of Sanji Fernando for Data & Artificial Intelligence, Steve Blackhart for Corporate Development, and Lindsey Murphy for Sales Operations. The strategic move aims to enhance support for the firm’s investment strategy and value creation for portfolio companies.
Frazier Healthcare Partners Strengthens Team with Strategic Hires
Seattle, June 13, 2024 – Frazier Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm with a singular focus on the healthcare sector, has announced the appointment of three new members to its Centre of Excellence (CoE): Sanji Fernando, joining as Partner of Data & Artificial Intelligence; Steve Blackhart, assuming the role of Vice President of Corporate Development; and Lindsey Murphy, who takes on the role of Director of Sales Operations.
This expansion is part of Frazier’s strategic initiative to enhance its CoE, which provides critical support across various domains such as Human Capital, Technology & Innovation, Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, M&A & Corporate Development, Finance, Operations, Legal, Commercial Excellence, and ESG. Frazier aims to leverage this talent to create more value for its portfolio companies through this diversified expertise.
Ben Magnano, Managing Partner at Frazier, emphasised the significance of this expansion. “As the firm continues to invest in the breadth and depth of this team, we are targeting expansion in areas where we see accelerated value creation opportunities as part of our differentiated strategy,” said Magnano.
Andy Caine, COO and Partner of the CoE, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires. “Frazier is fortunate to have such a talented, collaborative group of professionals who enjoy supporting our management teams and helping them drive transformation. We are thrilled to welcome Sanji, Steve, and Lindsey to our team, each of whom brings a wealth of experience in their areas of expertise,” stated Caine.
Sanji Fernando joins Frazier from Optum where he held the role of SVP of AI Products and Platforms. During his tenure at Optum, he was instrumental in the development of United AI Studio, a platform designed for advanced machine learning (ML) and Generative AI. Fernando’s expertise in deep learning for risk adjustment and his leadership at Optum Labs’ Center for Applied Data Science have positioned him as a key innovator within the healthcare AI landscape. Fernando holds a BS in Computer Science from Trinity College in Hartford.
Steve Blackhart transitions to Frazier from Black Eagle Advisors, an M&A advisory firm he founded in 2015. His career spans a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, business services, and consumer products. Having led significant transactions, including the merger of MiX Telematics with Powerfleet, Blackhart brings substantial expertise in corporate development. Earlier in his career, he worked with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and FFL Partners. Blackhart earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Lindsey Murphy, with over a decade of experience in sales operations, aims to enhance sales efficiency and revenue growth at Frazier’s portfolio companies. Murphy previously served as Director of Sales Operations at Parata, where she oversaw significant revenue growth. Her specialisation includes data analysis, CRM administration, and sales forecasting. Murphy holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Founded in 1991, Frazier Healthcare Partners has prominently positioned itself in the healthcare investment sector. With capital exceeding $8 billion raised for private funds and co-investment opportunities, the firm has invested in over 200 companies across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Frazier’s approach involves partnering with strong management teams and leveraging its internal and external networks to build successful enterprises.
The addition of Fernando, Blackhart, and Murphy is seen as a strategic move to bolster Frazier’s capacities in data intelligence, corporate development, and sales operations, respectively. This enhancement of the CoE is anticipated to provide substantial support to the firm’s investment strategy and value creation for its portfolio companies.
