New York - Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group today announced that Robert Essner, former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Wyeth, has joined the firm as Senior Advisor to its Global Healthcare group.

As Senior Advisor, Mr. Essner will provide strategic guidance to Carlyle professionals throughout the healthcare investment process, from sourcing to purchase, and advise portfolio company executives on management, operational and growth strategies. He joins a group of talented senior executives who serve as Carlyle Senior Advisors across a spectrum of industries.

Karen Bechtel, Carlyle Managing Director and Head of the Global Healthcare group, said, "Bob's leadership experience and value creation abilities will add to the depth and scope of our ability to find and make compelling investments in the global healthcare space. We are so pleased he has agreed to be a part of our group."

Mr. Essner said, "I am excited to join Carlyle and partner with the Carlyle healthcare team. We see a range of opportunities in the U.S. and globally for private capital to help strengthen and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare sector."

Mr. Essner served at Wyeth from 1989-2008, where he led Wyeth's transformation into a global leader in biotechnology and vaccines. After joining Wyeth (formerly American Home Products Corporation) in 1989 as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, for Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Mr. Essner was named Executive Vice President for Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories in 1991. He then became President of Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories in 1993. In 1997, Mr. Essner was named President of Wyeth-Ayerst Global Pharmaceuticals and was elected to the position of Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors for Wyeth. In 2000, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer. In 2001, Mr. Essner was elected Chief Executive Officer and in 2003 he became Chairman; he retired from both positions in 2008. Mr. Essner joined Wyeth from Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation where he was Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Essner earned his master's degree from the University of Chicago and is a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He is a board member at the Children's Health Fund; Executive in Residence and Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Business School; and a member of the board of trustees at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. In addition, Mr. Essner is a member of the board of directors at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and is past Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America.

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