Kristina Edvinsson | CEO | Gelpell AG
Kristina Edvinsson’s journey into healthcare began with a deep fascination for how nutrition and science can transform lives. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the power of proper supplementation in enhancing well-being and longevity. This inspired her and her husband to invest in innovative solutions that merge cutting-edge science with accessibility. Their acquisition and development of Gelpell AG allowed them to pioneer unique technologies, such as the Gelpell® beads, which significantly improve the bioavailability of critical nutrients. Knowing that their work positively impacts patients’ lives has been a driving force behind her dedication to the field. At EliteX, we are proud to have Kristina Edvinsson as part of the edition: Transformational Women in Healthcare, 2025.
For Kristina, being a transformational leader in healthcare means driving meaningful change that benefits both individuals and society. She believes in creating solutions that are not only innovative but also scalable so they can reach a wider audience. Leadership, for her, is about inspiring others to see the potential of what can be achieved together. She fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that advancements in healthcare are both impactful and sustainable. One of the most rewarding moments in Kristina’s career occurs each time she sees a product manufactured by Gelpell AG in Switzerland. It fills her with immense pride to know that her team contributes to high-quality products that enhance people’s lives. This constant reminder of the positive impact of her work motivates her to keep pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.
“We simply need more leaders—regardless of gender—to drive innovation and progress in healthcare.”
Kristina never viewed her gender as a challenge in her career. She believes that being a woman and a leader should not be seen as an obstacle, and she never accepted it as one. However, she acknowledges that starting in the industry at a young age posed some challenges. At just 30 years old, she was the youngest member of her entire company. Despite this, her eagerness to learn, contribute, and assist in all aspects of the manufacturing process quickly established her credibility. Her willingness to perform, grow, and lead effectively demonstrated her capabilities to those around her.
Kristina sees significant opportunities for women in healthcare, particularly in leveraging their ability to approach healthcare holistically. She believes that women leaders often bring a balance of empathy and strategic thinking, which is crucial in designing solutions that address both technical and human aspects of care. This unique perspective can lead to more comprehensive and patient-centered innovations. Kristina’s leadership style has been shaped by a variety of mentors and role models. She draws inspiration from her family members, who have worked hard and accomplished incredible things. Coming from a family filled with entrepreneurs, she has always been surrounded by examples of dedication and resilience. In her present career, she learns daily from her direct staff and their insights. Looking to the future, she finds inspiration in her two daughters, who are already establishing themselves as young female leaders. Their strong opinions and ability to articulate their views diplomatically motivate her to keep an open mind and continue learning.
Staying motivated and continuously growing in her career comes naturally to Kristina. She is driven by the mission of giving her best every single day and striving to become better. The opportunities in the growing market inspire her to seize them and contribute to providing high-quality food supplements that uphold the reputation of “Made in Switzerland.” Additionally, the dedication of the Gelpell AG team—whom she considers family—further fuels her passion for excellence. Seeing her staff give their all each day to produce the best products encourages her to keep innovating and improving. For young women aspiring to join the healthcare industry, Kristina’s advice is clear: believe in your vision and be relentless in pursuing it. Surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and peers who challenge growth is essential. She emphasizes the importance of not letting setbacks deter one’s progress; instead, they should be seen as opportunities to learn and adapt. Perseverance, resilience, and continuous self-improvement are key to success in the industry.
“I stay motivated by the pure mission of giving my best every single day and striving to become better.”
Balancing work and personal life in a demanding field like healthcare is something Kristina approaches with a strong work ethic. Growing up in a household where hard work was a core value, she never learned the concept of “work-life balance” in the conventional sense. This upbringing instilled in her the belief that hard work is essential for success. Throughout her career, she has worked through pregnancies, diaper changes, and sleepless nights, believing that such commitment is necessary to achieve her goals. However, she also values well-earned breaks, which she spends with family and friends, often enjoying nature or traveling.
Reflecting on her journey, Kristina acknowledges that there are lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. One of the most important realizations is the need for strong leadership in various sectors, including healthcare. She believes that the world simply needs more leaders—regardless of gender. One of the biggest challenges she sees across Europe is the lack of effective leadership in healthcare, politics, and other industries. Increasing the number of capable leaders would significantly impact society. Enabling highly qualified women to step into leadership roles, just as men have traditionally done, would benefit every sector.
Kristina also highlights the importance of societal structures in promoting gender equality. She admires how countries like Sweden have been paving the way by providing substantial state support systems to help women re-enter the workforce. She believes that relying solely on friends and family for childcare is outdated and that governments should take greater responsibility to ensure gender equality and foster highly educated, capable professionals. However, she also stresses that women must take ownership of their careers and demand change to create better opportunities for future generations. Her vision for the future of healthcare includes more leaders stepping up to drive innovation and progress. She sees abundant opportunities for leadership in the industry and encourages both men and women to take the necessary steps to achieve it. For women, in particular, she believes a mindset shift is needed—one that sees leadership as not only achievable but essential for societal progress. Achieving this requires collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
“Being a transformational leader means driving meaningful change that benefits both individuals and society.”
Kristina Edvinsson’s journey in healthcare is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and leadership. Through her work at Gelpell AG, she continues to pioneer advancements that improve people’s lives. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and belief in the potential of strong leadership inspire those around her. By encouraging more individuals to step into leadership roles, she hopes to shape a future where innovation and inclusivity drive meaningful change in healthcare and beyond.