Bronwyn Brophy O'Connor to Lead Carl Zeiss Meditec as CEO in December 2026

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG has confirmed that Bronwyn Brophy O’Connor will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on December 1, 2026, succeeding Andreas Pecher, who has served as interim CEO since January 1, 2026. The appointment, first announced in May 2026, marks a significant leadership transition for the publicly listed medical technology company and signals a renewed emphasis on customer-focused innovation and business transformation.

Brophy O’Connor joins Carl Zeiss Meditec from Vitrolife Group, a global medtech company listed on the NASDAQ Stockholm, where she has been CEO since 2023. Her career spans more than two decades across leading healthcare and life sciences organizations, including Johnson & Johnson, Covidien (later acquired by Medtronic), and Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has held senior roles in Ireland, Spain, the U.K., Switzerland, Sweden, and the U.S., giving her a broad international perspective that aligns with Carl Zeiss Meditec’s global footprint. More than half of the company’s employees are based in the USA, Japan, Spain, and France.

In her new role, Brophy O’Connor will also join the Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG, where she will oversee the Medical Technology segment. Effective the same date, the Management Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG will consist of Brophy O’Connor as CEO and Justus Wehmer as CFO. The Executive Board of Carl Zeiss AG will include Andreas Pecher as President and CEO, alongside other segment heads. This restructuring underscores the importance of the Medical Technology segment within the broader ZEISS Group and positions Brophy O’Connor to influence strategic decisions at the highest level.

The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for Carl Zeiss Meditec, which generated revenue of EUR 2,228 million in fiscal year 2024/25 and employs 5,784 people worldwide. The company is known for its innovative technologies in ophthalmology and microsurgery, providing complete solutions including implants and consumables. Brophy O’Connor’s experience in driving business transformation and her customer-centric approach are expected to accelerate the company’s innovation agenda and strengthen its competitive position in the medtech sector.

Peter Kameritsch, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, welcomed the appointment, stating that Brophy O’Connor brings a strong customer and innovation perspective to the company. Dr. Michael Bolle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Carl Zeiss AG, thanked Andreas Pecher for his interim leadership and expressed confidence that Brophy O’Connor will advance the strategy and transformation of the Medical Technology segment. Her track record at Vitrolife and previous roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific and Medtronic demonstrates her ability to lead global teams and deliver results in complex, regulated environments.

Brophy O’Connor’s appointment is notable not only for her extensive medtech background but also for the continuity it provides. Andreas Pecher will continue as President and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG, ensuring a smooth handover and sustained focus on the group’s long-term objectives. For investors and industry observers, the confirmation of her start date removes uncertainty and signals a stable leadership structure. The move also reflects broader trends in the medtech industry, where companies are increasingly seeking leaders with diverse international experience and a proven ability to drive innovation and operational excellence.

As Carl Zeiss Meditec prepares for this transition, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Brophy O’Connor’s leadership shapes the company’s strategic direction. Her mandate to build on the company’s strengths, advance innovation, and shape the next stage of its transformation will be critical in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The announcement, originally made via NEWMEDIAWIRE, was also shared through ZEISS’s newsroom at www.zeiss.com/newsroom, highlighting the significance of this leadership change for the company and its stakeholders.