Joseph C. Papa

Executive Advisor

Joseph C. Papa is spearheading Water Street’s search for its next investment in the specialty pharmaceutical sector. Working with Water Street’s team, he is pursuing discussions with founders and leadership teams of businesses that are interested in a partner to advance their goals for growth. Joe has more than 30 years of leadership experience across a diverse range of global pharmaceutical businesses, encompassing branded and generic drugs spanning nearly every therapeutic area. As chairman and CEO of Bausch & Lomb, he led the eye health company through an IPO after completing the successful turnaround of multinational pharmaceutical company Valeant Pharmaceuticals (now Bausch Health Companies). Previously, Joe spearheaded Perrigo’s transformation into a global multi-million-dollar pharmaceutical manufacturer during his 10-year tenure as CEO. Joe has a strong track record of building businesses with global healthcare organizations, including Cardinal Health, Searle Pharmaceuticals, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. He has been instrumental in leading the launch of products that are widely recognized as blockbuster drugs, including Celebrex (arthritis) and Lotrel and Diovan (high blood pressure). Industry publications including Barron’s and Harvard Business Review have awarded Joe for his leadership. Joe serves as lead independent director of Prometheus Biosciences, as well as a member of the board of directors of Candel Therapeutics and SparingVision. He received a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. In addition, Joe received an honorary doctor of science degree from the University of Connecticut's School of Pharmacy.

Joseph C. Papa

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