Read the Conversation

Meeting highlights:

  •  Longstanding Presence in Costa Rica: Thermo Fisher Scientific has maintained a strong presence in Costa Rica since 2011, supporting global medical device manufacturing growth. 
  • Strategic Growth & Regional Impact: The site has evolved from a small-scale operation into a key regional hub, driven by continuous expansion and strategic investments. 
  • Talent Retention & Evolving Workforce: Retaining talent in a competitive market requires adapting to new generational values, with a focus on purpose, empowerment, and development. 
  • Milestones & Achievements: Milestones such as certifications, customer trust, and leadership development are celebrated as part of the site's continuous growth. 
  • Costa Rica as a Strategic Platform: The country plays a vital role in advancing the company’s global mission of making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. 

EF: Could you provide an overview of Thermo Fisher’s presence in Costa Rica? 

CP: In 2011, Thermo Fisher Scientific recognized Costa Rica as an important medical device cluster with opportunities to grow and support our global customers with a local presence. Thermo Fisher Scientific, with its established reputation as a reliable partner in the production ecosystem, sought to be strategically positioned to offer tailored solutions. The process of launching our commercial and distribution operations took approximately nine months to materialize. 

As the first employee in this startup environment, I was involved in every aspect of the business, collaborating with stakeholders across various functions—including construction, legal, government entities, human resources, and, of course, our customers. Establishing the right visibility and building relationships with potential customers was critical during this initial phase. 

Thermo Fisher’s presence in Costa Rica extends beyond commercial and distribution activities. In 2016, we established the Americas Global Business Service Center, further solidifying Costa Rica as a hub for shared services. With expertise in finance, customer service, accounting, and global procurement, the GBS plays a vital role in ensuring business continuity across the Americas. 

Our mission at Thermo Fisher is to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We pursue this through both our commercial distribution, which fosters customer intimacy and operational support, and our shared service hub, which reinforces the efficiency and scalability of our global operations. We are approaching a significant milestone: welcoming our 1,000th employee in Costa Rica. This achievement is a testament to the outstanding talent, professionalism, and commitment of the Costa Rican workforce, whose contributions continue to play a vital role in our global success. 

EF: How has Thermo Fisher’s presence and operations in Costa Rica evolved over time? 

CP: Our presence in Costa Rica continues to expand, underscoring the country’s strategic importance to our international operations. To meet rising demand and support the growing base of MedTech customers manufacturing locally, we recently completed a significant expansion of our commercial distribution site in Zona Franca Coyol. We are expanding into a new facility within the Coyol Free Trade Zone, which will be inaugurated in June. With this addition, we will operate two distribution centers in Costa Rica, further strengthening our logistics capabilities within the free trade zone. 

In parallel, our Global Business Services (GBS) center, has grown to become substantially larger in terms of headcount. This center serves as the backbone for our services and operational controls across the Americas, highlighting our role as a key partner for both local and the broader Thermo Fisher business. 

Costa Rica’s MedTech ecosystem has evolved remarkably, transitioning from a manufacturing hub to a center of advanced capabilities across the entire value chain — including R&D, quality, regulatory, supply chain, commercial operations, and shared services. Thermo Fisher is proud to be part of this transformation, investing in local talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to the country’s position as a global leader in life sciences and healthcare solutions. 

EF: Based on your personal journey from procurement to a senior commercial position, what advice would you offer to women aspiring to leadership, and why is it important for organizations to prioritize diverse leadership teams? 

CP: There has been a significant increase in the number of female engineers graduating today, which reflects the positive impact of university and institutional programs designed to incentivize and encourage women to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology. The industry has seen notable progress in this regard, with more women entering the field than ever before. 

Preparation is key. Women must be provided with the resources and incentives to educate themselves and be ready to seize opportunities as they arise. Reflecting on my own experience, when I transitioned from a decade in procurement to commercial roles at Thermo Fisher; I embraced the challenge, applied my engineering background, and grew successfully into the roles always focused on committing to a growing strategy.  

My message to women is to remain authentic and confident. Many may feel unprepared for leadership roles, but the reality is that they are capable and ready. It is important to prepare, embrace opportunities, and never shy away from new challenges. Diverse leadership teams drive better decision-making, and it is vital for organizations to have women in these positions. Diversity brings fresh perspectives, and when leaders combine their unique backgrounds, they create a foundation for collective success. 

EF: How has your leadership approach evolved throughout your career, particularly as you have managed diverse teams and divisions across different cultures and markets? 

CP: I began my journey with Thermo Fisher as the first employee in Costa Rica, building the distribution and commercial operations. Over time, I took on broader responsibilities across Latin America, overseeing various divisions, and have recently transitioned into a global role. This progression reflects both the growth of our operations and the opportunities available within the organization. 

With 14 years of experience managing diverse divisions and leading multicultural teams, I had a significant evolution in my style. Thermo Fisher’s extensive portfolio breadth has provided me with the opportunity to engage with multiple markets, from Medtech and Life Sciences, to broader Industrial segments. This willingness to step outside my comfort zone has been rewarding for both my personal and professional growth. 

Leading commercial teams across Latin America, North America, and Europe has been an incredible experience. Gaining a deep understanding of these diverse markets has enhanced my adaptability in complex situations and reinforced the importance of being truly people-focused. What I find most fulfilling is supporting individuals as they grow, develop, and advance in their careers.  

Continuous learning is also central to my leadership philosophy. The more knowledge I acquire, the better equipped I am to address challenges and drive effective solutions. My approach is rooted in a commitment to growth, particularly from a commercial perspective. Each day, my aim is to expand our reach, position new products in the market, and deliver measurable results. Ultimately, collaborating with others to achieve shared goals and celebrate collective success for the business, our customers, and the teams that make it all possible is what drives my passion for leadership. 

EF: Could you elaborate on the relative importance of Costa Rica to Thermo Fisher?  

CP: Costa Rica’s strategic location at the heart of the Americas provides a significant logistical advantage, offering proximity to major markets in the region. The country also boasts a robust ecosystem of local suppliers, with companies such as Thermo Fisher actively collaborating with customers to develop localized sourcing strategies that enhance scalability and cost-effectiveness for new operations and manufacturing transfers. 

Institutions like PROCOMER have played an instrumental role in supporting businesses throughout their entire journey in Costa Rica. From site selection and startup to ensuring business continuity, PROCOMER has provided comprehensive technical and regulatory assistance, facilitating smooth launches and sustainable growth. 

Furthermore, Costa Rica distinguishes itself as a destination where companies receive end-to-end support, including significant investment in human capital. Years of collaboration between the public and private sectors have resulted in tailored educational programs at both the university and school levels, ensuring a highly skilled and bilingual workforce ready to meet the needs of multinational companies. 

Costa Ricans are recognized for their motivation, commitment, adaptability, and continuous improvement mindset. These qualities, combined with strong institutional support and a dynamic supplier ecosystem, make Costa Rica an exceptionally smart choice for new investment. 

EF: As you approach your 15th year at Thermo Fisher Scientific, how would you celebrate? 

CP: It is gratifying to witness and to be part of our Costa Rica site's continuous growth. Every milestone feels like a celebration in this growing environment.  

As I approach my 15th year at Thermo Fisher Scientific, I would take a moment to reflect on the journey, the growth, the opportunities, the people, and the impact we’ve made. It would be a celebration of purpose, recognizing the meaningful work we do every day.  

I’d also use this milestone as an opportunity to thank the mentors, colleagues, and teams I’ve had the privilege to work with, taking time to connect with those who’ve been part of this great story, I believe recognition is best when shared. 

Ultimately, this milestone would be both a celebration and a reminder of the incredible potential ahead and continuing to grow, contribute, and lead with purpose. 

Posted 
June 2025