Lazard announced that Ajay Dhankhar has joined the firm as a Managing Director in the Healthcare Group within Financial Advisory, effective immediately. Based in New York, Mr. Dhankhar will serve as Global Head of Medical Technology, Diagnostics and Tools. He will also advise clients in other healthcare segments, including biopharmaceuticals, and healthcare information and technology.

“Ajay brings deep experience to our Healthcare practice as a trusted strategic advisor to C-suite executives and boards,” said David Gluckman, Global Head of the Healthcare Group at Lazard. “The healthcare sector, including medical devices and technology, is experiencing strong growth that is set to continue in the years ahead. Adding a seasoned healthcare advisor like Ajay will ensure Lazard continues to provide clients with the very best possible advice.”

Dhankhar is a former biochemist and a highly experienced healthcare advisor, with particular expertise in the fields of medical technology, diagnostics and tools, and biopharmaceuticals. He is an established thought leader, espousing the concept that portfolio optimization through M&A, joint ventures and divestments, when coupled with rational capital allocation, can help companies deliver sector- and industry-leading shareholder value.

Dhankhar has advised on more than 50 major transactions, including four of the 10 largest mergers and/or restructurings to have taken place in the life sciences industry in recent years. He joins Lazard from McKinsey & Company, where he was a Senior Partner and Global Leader of the firm’s Life Sciences Strategy, M&A, Corporate Finance and Enterprise Risk practices. He previously served as Global Leader of McKinsey’s Life Sciences R&D practice.

Dhankhar has a bachelor’s degree in Physics and Computer Science from Angelo State University and both a master’s degree and a doctorate in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University.