Dr. Zina Affas Besse has been investing in and operating healthcare companies for over twenty-five years. She is a Partner and Deputy Head of Healthcare Private Equity at BNP Paribas Asset Management Alts, following the acquisition of AXA Investment Managers by BNP Paribas. Zina joined AXA IM Alts in 2022 as Deputy Head of Healthcare Private Equity, after advising the platform since April 2020. She has served as a board member for healthcare companies including ReproNovo, Biolinq, Limmatech, Axena Health, Eyenuk and Alydia Health (acquired by Organon, NYSE: OGN).

Previously, Zina was Chief Business Officer at Novintum Bioscience, a small molecule company developing novel drugs for cancer. Prior to that, she worked with various healthcare companies supporting them with fundraising and business development. Zina was a co-founder of Orion Healthcare Equity Partners, a start-up life sciences venture capital company, where she was involved globally in fundraising as well as investment sourcing and structuring.

Earlier in her career, Zina spent six years as a Principal at Atlas Venture, beginning in 2002, focusing on the biopharmaceutical and medical device sectors globally and supporting all aspects of deal-making.

Dr. Zina Affas Besse earned a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacy degrees from The University of Nottingham.