Every time a doctor orders a blood test, there’s a wait. For the patient, it’s uncertainty. For the clinician, it’s the time between suspicion and confirmation. And for the labs processing those tests, it’s their responsibility to deliver reliable results. This is the world Nurgul Vatansever has worked in for years, and she understands what depends on getting it right.
As a Senior Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Operations for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Beckman Coulter, she oversees diagnostic operations across regions with vastly different healthcare needs. Her work influences how labs function and how quickly doctors get the information they need.
What makes her leadership distinctive is how she’s balanced technical expertise with a focus on people. She’s mentored women in an industry that hasn’t always made space for them, and she’s consistently believed that diagnostic technology should genuinely serve those who use it. Her career shows what happens when someone builds deep knowledge while staying committed to the human impact of work and helping others grow.
Let’s dive into the story of Nurgul Vatansever, a visionary shaping healthcare with purpose and precision!
Can you tell us about your journey into the healthcare industry, what inspired you to pursue a leadership role at Beckman Coulter?
I graduated in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Middle East Technical University in Turkiye and later earned an MBA from the same university. Continuous learning has always been central to my growth, which led me to complete Executive Education programs at MIT, Cornell, and Harvard Business School.
My interest in healthcare began during my engineering studies, when I realized how technology could improve patient care. That inspired me to apply my technical knowledge to work with real human impact.
I started my career as the first female engineer at Hitachi Medical Systems in Turkiye and was fortunate to gain experience across geographies including Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and Europe.
Throughout my 30-year healthcare career with global leaders like Hitachi, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, I’ve continuously evolved as a leader. Each organization has pushed me to refine my skills in adaptability, resilience, and agility—transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
The obstacles I’ve encountered haven’t just taught me lessons; they’ve fundamentally shaped who I am as a professional. By embracing adversity rather than retreating from it, I’ve developed the persistence and strategic mindset that defines my leadership approach today.
In 2021, I joined Beckman Coulter Diagnostics as Vice President for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. I now lead the full EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region, a role that allows me to make a lasting impact on healthcare systems, improve patient outcomes, and support the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to save lives.
Growing up or early in your career, who were your role models, and how did they shape your leadership style?
I was fortunate to work with managers and mentors who supported my growth, highlighted areas for improvement, and encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone. This experience profoundly shaped me, and I now try to do the same for my team; helping them grow, gain confidence, and learn through experience. Seeing people develop and thrive is deeply rewarding.
As Senior VP, what have been some of the most challenging and rewarding projects you’ve led at Beckman Coulter?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve led at Beckman Coulter is our work with healthcare professionals, partners, and institutions to identify needs, create tailored solutions, and drive innovation that improves patient care.
A standout initiative is the Dubai Vision Center, a dedicated learning facility offering certified training, customer programs, and scientific lectures. Through hands-on workshops and tailored education, we equip laboratory professionals across the region to maximize the clinical value of our technologies.
How do you approach innovation and change management in an industry as critical and fast-evolving as healthcare?
Every hour around the globe, more than one million samples are tested on Beckman Coulter Diagnostic systems, impacting 1.2 billion patients and more than three million clinicians every year. Through our innovative diagnostic solutions, we are focused on ensuring clinical laboratories across EMEA provide accurate diagnostic information to clinicians and patients that enables high-quality care.
What sets us apart is how we help healthcare systems tackle real challenges like limited resources, workforce constraints, and growing demand. Our scalable portfolio – in immunoassay, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and urinalysis—helps labs do more with less.
By automating key lab processes, we reduce manual workload and improve rapid and reliable sample analysis results. That means clinicians get the answers they need faster, and patients can begin treatment sooner. It’s all about enabling better outcomes with greater efficiency.
What strategies have helped you foster a culture of collaboration, diversity, and inclusion within your teams?
Having worked across multiple continents and cultures, I’ve come to deeply value the richness that diversity brings to an organization. At Beckman Coulter, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where every associate feels supported to reach their full potential. Continuous improvement is one of our core values, and we encourage our people to see self-development as both a personal and professional goal.
One of the key strategies we’ve implemented is structured coaching and leadership development tailored to individual and team needs. We launched a program that combines online learning, group collaboration, and personalized coaching to help leaders strengthen their skills and drive positive organizational impact. This approach not only builds leadership capability but also reinforces our commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
For me, leadership is about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. We encourage open dialogue, celebrate differences, and make sure every team member knows their contribution matters. Our goal is to build a culture where everyone can grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to our shared success.
In your opinion, what are the most significant trends shaping healthcare in the Arab world today, and how is Beckman Coulter contributing to addressing these challenges?
The Arab world presents both challenges and opportunities. Some countries have strong infrastructure, while others face limited access to diagnostics, workforce shortages, and resource constraints. At the same time, the region is rapidly innovating, with trends in automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence helping healthcare systems improve and stay at the forefront of progress.
At Beckman Coulter Diagnostics, we focus on scalable, locally relevant solutions and strong partnerships. We work to expand access to quality diagnostics, invest in education, and strengthen healthcare systems, creating real impact for healthcare professionals, patients, and innovation across the region.
Can you share examples of how innovation impacts patient care or community health outcomes?
Working in healthcare isn’t just about supporting your team – it directly affects patients’ lives.
At Beckman Coulter, we have been working to elevate the diagnostic laboratory’s role in improving patient health for more than 90 years. One example is our DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer, which helps labs process more samples faster and more accurately, reducing turnaround times.
We’re also excited about our pipeline, including a blood-based Alzheimer’s test. The FDA recently granted Breakthrough Device Designation to our Access p-Tau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 plasma ratio, helping providers identify amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a strong example of how diagnostics can transform patient care.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in healthcare or STEM fields in the Arab world?
Stay dedicated, resilient, and compassionate. Embrace your role with confidence and humility and never underestimate the power of self-care and personal development. Surround yourself with supportive networks, peers, and professional communities that uplift and inspire you.
Find role models who have overcome obstacles and achieved success. Stay curious, keep learning, and remain connected to your passion and purpose: not just for your daily tasks, but for the broader impact you can make in people’s lives. Advocate for yourself, celebrate your accomplishments, and remember that your voice and vision matter.
How do you maintain work-life balance while leading high-impact initiatives and managing global responsibilities?
I have to say, it’s not easy. I manage balance by setting boundaries, prioritizing, delegating, and making time for self-care. I walk daily to clear my mind and spend quality time with family.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about finding a rhythm that fits your values. Staying flexible, realistic, and kind to yourself helps you maintain both performance and well-being.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave as a leader in healthcare, and what drives you to continue making a difference every day?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had a rewarding journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. Overcoming obstacles has taught me resilience and shaped me into the leader I am today.
My goal is to inspire teams to take ownership, deliver results, and innovate for patients who depend on our work. What motivates me every day is knowing that by doing our jobs well, we help clinicians make faster, better decisions and ultimately improve lives. That sense of purpose is what fuels my passion and commitment to making a difference.
