Advisory firm finnCap Group has appointed Dr Stephen McGarry as research director in its life sciences team.

McGarry has more than 20 years’ experience in life sciences. He was previously managing director and global head of healthcare research at HSBC Investment Bank. McGarry managed the global healthcare team, covering large and mid-cap pharma and biotech at European and US level and coordinated the firm’s healthcare research approach, coverage and valuation methodology across pharma, biotech, medtech, consumer health and healthcare services globally. Prior to that McGarry held roles at Société Générale, Clear River Capital and Goldman Sachs International in London.

McGarry has an extensive background in investment banking and has been the lead analyst in IPOs from Illumina, Intercell and Renovo.

Sam Smith, chief executive of finnCap Group, said: “Stephen’s medical research qualifications and expertise combined with his background in investment banking will make a real difference in helping to bolster our strong-performing life sciences franchise that is seeing a healthy pipeline of activity. We’re looking forward to learning from Stephen as we approach new opportunities for the healthcare businesses of tomorrow.”

McGarry added: “Against the backdrop of today’s active market, I’m looking forward to playing a leading role in finnCap’s life sciences team. It’s an exciting time to be joining the team with so much corporate activity in the pipeline, and to be involved in working with some truly innovative businesses.”