Ivan Mijatovic Takes on Key Leadership Role at Bridgewest Group in Europe
In a significant move towards enhancing its European market presence, Bridgewest Group, a renowned private investment firm, has appointed Ivan Mijatovic as the new Operating Partner and General Manager for Europe. This role is pivotal as the firm continues to drive innovation across various sectors, especially in life sciences and deep tech. Mijatovic's extensive experience in public finance, private equity, and venture capital makes him an asset in this new position, where he will build upon his existing board roles within Bridgewest's portfolio.
Mijatovic’s decision to step into this role comes as the companies under Bridgewest Group have begun to experience considerable growth, particularly following his leadership as the Chairman of the Board for Pontis Technology. In this capacity, he not only facilitated record growth but also led market expansion through strategic acquisitions. Additionally, he holds a board position at LumaCina, a pharmaceutical company that specializes in sterile injectables, further showcasing his varied expertise.
Before joining Bridgewest Group, Mijatovic was the Managing Partner at VCI Partners, where he played a crucial role in identifying and spearheading investment opportunities in companies such as Tenex Health and STARK RFID. His tenure at Tenex Health as CFO and Board Chairman saw him optimizing global operations and catalyzing financial strategies. Previously, he was also the Senior Vice President at Barr Pharmaceutical, having honed his skills in the pharmaceutical sector. His early career achievements include streamlining finance, investor relations, and IT operations at Pliva Pharmaceuticals.
Mijatovic’s accomplishments extend beyond pharmaceuticals into the telecom industry, where he significantly contributed to Deutsche Telekom’s international expansion across multiple continents. His leadership as Chairman of Hrvatski Telekom led to a successful funding effort of $850M, pivotal in its licensing and listing on the Zagreb Stock Exchange.
Dr. Massih Tayebi, Founding Partner and Chairman of Bridgewest Group, expressed his confidence in Mijatovic’s abilities, noting the fruitful relationship they've had since Bridgewest’s initial investments in Europe four years ago. He emphasized that Mijatovic’s international business acumen is instrumental in identifying investment opportunities within innovative businesses.
In response to his new appointment, Mijatovic expressed great enthusiasm, stating, "I'm honored to take on this role and excited by the opportunity to make a profound impact across the region." He highlighted the inspiration he draws from the global reach of this position and its potential to enhance operational excellence across innovative enterprises. Mijatovic is determined to foster a culture of teamwork, integrity, and collaboration while working alongside the exceptional teams at Bridgewest Group.
As an investment firm, Bridgewest Group boasts over $3B in private capital, focusing on creating and scaling transformative businesses across sectors like life sciences, software, and artificial intelligence. Founded in 1999, Bridgewest has established a strong reputation for its impactful investment strategies and innovations. The firm seeks to leverage its global community to enhance its influence in key sectors, ensuring sustained growth for its portfolio companies.
With Mijatovic at the helm of the European operations, Bridgewest Group is set to not only consolidate its efforts in the region but also explore newer pathways for investment and innovation. This strategic leadership change could usher in a new era of growth and opportunity for the firm as it continues to thrive in the competitive global landscape.