Mark Florman takes helm of BVCA

Having spent 2010 working to launch an Africa-focused fund, the former Doughty Hanson principal will succeed Simon Walker at the BVCA.

The British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association has replaced outgoing chief executive Simon Walker, who had led the group since October 2007, with private equity veteran Mark Florman.

Florman’s credentials span a 30-year career in finance and private equity, with his most notable roles being chief operating officer of ArosMaizels, a Nordic investment bank he started in 2000, and as senior principal at Doughty Hanson from 2001 to 2008.

Mark Florman

Florman also co-founded the Centre for Social Justice in 2004 – a UK think tank aimed at reducing poverty – and founded Build a School in Africa in 2002.

More recently he sought to combine his experience in African development and private equity when he took a managing role in the Bob Geldof-backed 8 Miles Fund last year. The fund, which will take a multi-sector pan-African investment approach, is aiming for $750 million in commitments. Florman will remain a non-executive vice chairman of 8 miles, according to a BVCA statement.

“The next few years will be crucial for the fortunes of the UK economy”, said Florman. “I believe that a sustained recovery requires the UK to develop its venture capital sector further and to support its entrepreneurs.”