You have successfully logged out.
Not registered yet?
40 Years of B. Braun Australia
Four decades ago, B. Braun planted its roots in Australian soil with a simple but profound mission: protecting and improving the health of people. Today, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we reflect on a journey that has transformed not just our company, but the healthcare landscape across Australia.
This milestone represents more than corporate longevity - it embodies the collective vision, resilience, and commitment of countless individuals who have shaped B. Braun Australia into the trusted healthcare partner it is today. To mark this anniversary, we sat down with four Managing Directors who have guided our organisation through different eras: David Crawford, our founding Managing Director who established B. Braun in Australia; Mano Ayalsamy, who expanded our reach and diversified our portfolio; Christian Gabriel, who navigated us through unprecedented global challenges; and Geoff Brown, our current leader steering us toward an ambitious future.
"Starting a company from scratch and building it up to the organisation it is today…that’s a wonderful story.” David Crawford, Founding MD
When David Crawford established B. Braun Australia in 1985, he was taking on what he describes as "an exciting challenge" - launching a multinational company against competitors who had been in the Australian marketplace since the 1950s. His proudest accomplishment remains clear: "Starting a company from scratch and building it up to the organisation it is today. I think it's a wonderful success story."
The secret to longevity, according to Mr Crawford, lies in B. Braun's unique structure. "Being not hierarchical like many organisations, we've been able to be a lot more flexible and respond to market changes very quickly. Because we're not a publicly listed company, we can move a lot quicker."
Mano Ayalsamy identifies what truly sets B. Braun apart: "Many companies write in stone that 'people are their most important asset.' At B. Braun, this belief is written in the hearts of its people. That's what truly sets B. Braun apart - it's not just policy, it's lived culture."
Christian Gabriel, who witnessed the company's evolution over 25 years, emphasises adaptability: "The team is very adaptable, willing to go the extra mile, and they know when it's needed. We have flexibility and agility - even when sometimes we don't think it's perfect, we're willing to try things."
Current Managing Director Geoff Brown confirms this foundation remains strong: "The success of B. Braun Australia is the people who've come through this organisation, who commit their work life to the organisation and to its success."
"We are not just a supplier - we are a partner. That’s our future lies" - Mano Ayalsamy
The Australian healthcare landscape has undergone dramatic transformation over four decades. Mr Crawford recalls the early days when relationships were more direct: "We had relationships with our key stakeholders in the hospitals. There were product evaluation committees we could sit down and talk with. Over the years it became more tender-based, but we adapted."
Christian Gabriel's tenure coincided with one of the most challenging periods in recent history - the COVID-19 pandemic. "I was just starting in 2020. We had the bushfires right away, then COVID started to circulate. Getting the team together quickly, making decisions when nobody knew what was going to happen - I think we had tremendous discussions, good consensus, good alignment from everyone."
This period showcased B. Braun's agility. "We had pretty much daily meetings on supplies, on pumps, equipping ICUs. It went very agile, and I think it showed how quick we can be," Mr Gabriel reflects. "I'm really proud of how the team worked together during that pandemic."
Geoff Brown has observed broader technological evolution: "Australia is at the forefront of healthcare data, healthcare analytics. The importance of data, clinical data, big data is helping to shape the way clinicians interact with their patients."
Innovation has remained constant throughout these changes. Mr Crawford highlights the needle-free programme: "We had the safety cannula, but we also needed other needle-free products. We spotted the need in the market and innovated to make it safer and more efficient."
"Everything we do considers the patient’s safety and wellbeing. That’s the most important thing.” - Chistian Gabriel
Beyond products and strategy, it is the stories—of patients, clinicians, and employees - that define B. Braun's soul. At the heart of the company's success lies an unwavering focus on people, exemplified through personal journeys that span decades.
Mr Ayalsamy's experience captures this people-centric approach: "B. Braun helped with my move to Australia and the team welcomed me warmly. It's not just a career - it's part of my life story." This commitment extends beyond individual employees. "B. Braun believes in supporting not just employees, but their families," he explains. "That's the power of people-centric leadership."
From its earliest days, the company has fostered a family-like culture where every voice matters. Mr Crawford recalls his daily walks to the warehouse: "I remember walking down almost every day, and even the warehouse guys would say, 'We've had a great day today, boss.' Everyone felt like part of the journey, part of the family and contributed to the success."
This family culture directly shapes patient outcomes and drives innovation in critical areas. Under Mr Gabriel's leadership, B. Braun expanded significantly into dialysis - a field where the human impact is immediately visible. "When you're working in dialysis, you see firsthand how your products affect patients' daily lives," Mr Gabriel reflects. "These aren't just medical devices - they're lifelines for people who depend on them three times a week." The company's commitment to this patient population led to substantial investment in dialysis technology and training programs, ensuring healthcare professionals had the support needed to deliver optimal care.
This family culture directly shapes patient outcomes. Mr Gabriel captures this connection perfectly: "You need to remind yourself once in a while - hey, what you do is important. If you send out this pack, if you get this implant to the customer on time tomorrow morning, this will help with the patient's outcome."
The commitment to healthcare professionals runs equally deep. Mr Brown reinforces this philosophy: "The patient is centric to our outcome, to our strategy. It's at the forefront of my decision-making, and this extends right down to people on the ground in front of the customer. We invest in education and training because we're in this together - our customers trust us because they know we're committed to long-term value, not just transactions."
These human bonds - between teams, between leaders, and with the healthcare community - form the silent infrastructure supporting every milestone.
"Sky is the limit - we are on the cusp of bigger and better things” - Geoff Brown
Looking toward the future, B. Braun's leaders share a unified vision of growth and innovation. Current Managing Director Geoff Brown frames the opportunity ahead: "We're on the cusp of bigger and better things, moving from medium to large to actually be a very significant player in this country."
Mr Ayalsamy hopes the company "continues to grow as a leader in infusion therapy and surgery. In today's climate of price erosion, our future lies in becoming a partner to our customers - not just a supplier. That means investing in education and training for clinicians."
Mr Gabriel shares this ambitious outlook: "I wish that B. Braun Australia continues to thrive and be bold. We have really so many areas where we can grow and develop.”
The technology revolution particularly excites Mr Brown: "Australian healthcare is at the forefront of healthcare data and analytics, helping clinicians make more informed decisions about patient care. We're seeing the emergence of predictive medicine - where patient data patterns can guide treatment decisions based on successful outcomes from similar cases. B. Braun is positioning our devices to be part of this data-driven future."
Mr Gabriel emphasises maintaining core values while embracing change: "Being a family company where people identify themselves with the organisation 100% - we need to stay empathic, listen to our people, know their challenges, talk to everyone. That's part of our family."
A Legacy Built on People, Driven by Purpose
As B. Braun Australia celebrates 40 years of healthcare excellence, our leaders reveal a consistent thread: success built on people, driven by innovation, and anchored in improving patient outcomes.
Mr Crawford's advice resonates today: "We stuck to our commitment, worked through challenges methodically, looking at the long-term vision rather than short term. By laying that early foundation, we built the company to what it is today."
Mr Ayalsamy's counsel encapsulates the B. Braun spirit: "Stay true to the values that built this organisation: integrity, respect, and compassion. Be a partner - not only to customers but also to your own team."
Mr Gabriel's aspiration captures our collective hope: “ Our organisation is set up well for the next 40 years and longer."
Mr Brown's vision reflects our enduring commitment: "The same level of energy and commitment in the next 40 years - the culture this organisation has created can only attract the best people, and I can see that only improving for the years to come."
Forty years ago, B. Braun Australia began with a promise to protect and improve the health of people. Today, as we look back with pride and forward with determination, that promise remains our north star. To the healthcare professionals who have trusted us, the employees who have built us, and the patients whose lives we've touched - thank you for being part of our story. The best is yet to come.