The Blackstone Group, the alternative asset manager, has hired a new head of its European healthcare franchise in its advisory business, saying healthcare remains a “core sector” for the firm. The creation of this new role comes despite the the firm facing widespread criticism recently for its former ownership of collapsed nursing home operator Southern Cross Healthcare Group.

Denis Fabre has joined Blackstone as a senior managing director. He is responsible for the European healthcare franchise for Blackstone Advisory Partners and is based in London.