The former Pfizer marketing exec, who lost out to Jeff Kindler in the ceo succession race, has kept a decidedly low profile over the past year. Although she is a board member at General Motors and Harris, Katen hasn't popped up in the news during this stretch. Now, though, she's signed on as a 'senior advisor' at Essex Woodlands Health Ventures, a venture capital firm in New York that focuses on healthcare investments.
In a statement, the firm's managing director, Mark Pacala says that Katen is "arguably one of the most accomplished and successful pharmaceutical executives in the world. We are thrilled with the prospect of her contributions to the firm. She will add immensely to the quality of our investments.â€
What does a senior advisor do? In this case, Katen will 'contribute' to the overall leadership of the firm, including initiating and evaluating new investment opportunities. UPDATE: Pacala just called us and says the advisory role is a part-time gig, but preferred not to discuss any 'financial arrangements.' Nonetheless, he adds that Katen is "entertaining many possibilities" concerning ways to spend her time and, no doubt, invest her severance.