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How Vitrolife’s multi-lingual CEO, Bronwyn Brophy, made it to the the top of the firm

When Bronwyn Brophy picked up the phone and heard the recruiter mention Vitrolife, she paused—not out of confusion, but recognition. "Hold on a minute," she remembers saying. "That's the company I wanted Medtronic to buy back in 2018." What followed was a rare full-circle moment: the opportunity to lead the very company she once saw as a rising star in women's health. "It felt like destiny," she says. "I've got a 12-year-old daughter through IVF. This isn't just a job for me—it's personal."

Now CEO of Vitrolife, Brophy brings more than two decades of medtech leadership experience—and an unmistakably global lens. With roles across Johnson & Johnson, Covidien, Medtronic, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, she has lived and worked in Ireland, Spain, the U.K., the U.S., and now Sweden. "It's been a heck of a ride," she says with a smile. "But every country, every culture, every system has taught me something about how to lead—and how to listen."

“Didn’t Look Back”: Building a Global Playbook

Brophy credits her time at Johnson & Johnson as a foundational chapter. "I learned the importance of holistic leadership, integrity, and putting the patient first," she says. At Covidien, it was all about execution: "We were a lean, mean execution machine," she recalls. "Different style—but it made me sharper." Medtronic, meanwhile, deepened her appreciation for innovation. "It was the heyday of Medtronic innovation. The focus was on bringing new therapies and technologies to patients. That mindset stuck with me."

But it wasn't just the companies. It was the people. "I've had incredible mentors—men and women—who believed in me, championed me, and gave me opportunities. I'm here because they took a chance on me."

And she ran with it. "I was driven. I worked hard. I left Ireland in 2004 with a one-way ticket and didn't look back."

“Language is a window into culture. It's not just about words—it's about respect.”

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Multilingual Leadership

Brophy holds a BA in International Business & Languages and speaks English, French, and Spanish fluently. "That education—combining business with language—was a huge advantage," she explains. "It helps you connect with people on a deeper level. Language is a window into culture."

From navigating Spain's healthcare intricacies to building teams across Europe and North America, her ability to speak the language—literally and culturally—has shaped her leadership. "It's not just about translating words. It's about showing respect, curiosity, and humility."

That sensitivity has proven crucial in fertility, where systems, beliefs, and regulations vary wildly. "People tend to think of U.S. healthcare as one system or Europe as one entity," she says. "But it's far more complex. What unites us is the patient. Every country has different models—but patients want the same thing: the chance to build a family."

When the Mission Meets the Moment

Brophy first encountered Vitrolife while leading women's health at Medtronic. "We were exploring M&A in the space, and I thought Vitrolife was a phenomenal company with high quality, global reach, and strong values." Years later, when a recruiter mentioned a CEO opportunity at Vitrolife, her ears perked up. "I Googled it mid-call and said, 'Oh my God, it's that Vitrolife.' I wanted Medtronic to acquire them. Now I had a chance to lead them."

But it was her personal life that sealed the decision. "My daughter was born via IVF. This work is close to my heart. It felt like everything aligned."

Today, she oversees a company with operations in over 100 countries and a mission to become the leading global partner in reproductive health. "We're here for the long haul. There are a lot of players who come and go. But Vitrolife has been in IVF for over 30 years. That trust, that quality—that's what we're known for."

“We're not replacing embryologists. We're empowering them.”

Innovation and Empathy

Under Brophy's leadership, Vitrolife is investing heavily in AI and automation. "EmbryoScope, our time-lapse incubator, allows clinics to monitor embryo development continuously," she explains. "AI can help embryologists select the embryo most likely to result in a successful pregnancy. We're not replacing embryologists—we're giving them better tools."

She sees digital transformation as essential. "IVF is still very manual. We have a long way to go—but AI will be a game-changer. It's already shifting what's possible."

But for Brophy, innovation means nothing without empathy. "Technology matters. But the heart of what we do is people. Patients. Families."

Balance, Mentorship, and the Underdog Spirit

Brophy’s impact is also felt deeply by those who work with her. “Bronwyn is inspirational, strategic and authentic. What I love about working for Bronwyn is she can be inspirational and provide a transparent point of view at the same time,” says Erin Schardt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America, Vitrolife Group. “She has a unique ability to connect with individuals and build trust because she is an authentic leader. This style is productive and empowering to the team as she creates an environment where challenging ideas are encouraged to arrive at better decision making for the business.”

Despite the intensity of her role, Brophy is deliberate about unplugging. "You can't give your best to patients or your team if you're not caring for yourself," she says. Since moving to Sweden, she's added Swedish lessons, piano, and golf to her routine. "I hadn't touched a piano since I was eight. My kids have already passed me in golf. And I'm tanking at Swedish," she laughs. "But they're good for my soul."

She also devotes time to mentoring women and underrepresented talent. "I take that seriously. I throw down the ropes. The chances I was given—I want others to have them too."

Raised in a household with two brothers, Brophy grew up with the motto: You're as good as everyone else and no better. "That stuck with me. I walk into any room, no matter how senior, and I know I belong there."

Her approach to leadership is inclusive but merit-based. "I’m not a raging feminist yelling about injustice. But I speak up. I believe in equal opportunity—and I will always champion the underdog.”

What’s Next?

As Brophy looks to the future, she’s focused on sustainable growth, global collaboration, and keeping patients at the center. “The companies that endure—Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic—they keep the patient as their North Star. That’s the path Vitrolife is on.”

And for those watching? Expect innovation. Expect empathy. And expect a CEO who speaks from the heart, in every language.