Meet the Team: An Interview with Brian Fidler
Join us as we sit down with Product Line Manager Brian Fidler to learn more about his role, his time at Getinge so far, and some of the industry trends he has been noticing lately.
Could you tell us a little about your role on the team, including how long you have been at HPNE, a Getinge Company?
As the Product Line Manager at Getinge, I am responsible for the full High Purity New England product portfolio, which includes pumps, single-use assemblies, and distributed products. In this role, I oversee all aspects of the portfolio, including achieving revenue targets, understanding customer needs, and identifying market requirements for new product development.
I also focus on product positioning and marketing, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards of product quality. I’ve been with Getinge since April 2025, and during that time, I’ve worked to align our product strategy with customer and market demands while supporting the broader goals of the organization.
How have some of your previous roles provided you with skills you are using in your day-to-day operations in your new position?
When I think about it, a lot of what I’m doing now builds on skills from my past roles. For example, I got comfortable with process troubleshooting and problem-solving in the lab when I was a technician, and that helps me a lot when I’m considering solutions to help overcome customer workflow challenges today.
In my first role as a product manager, I had a lot of practice working with different groups- quality, engineers, and operations teams - which makes it easier now to explain my decisions and product strategies in a way that fits who I’m talking to. And honestly, the project management side of things is something I’m still learning in my current role — staying organized, keeping track of requirements, and balancing timelines.
What are some of the most exciting projects you have been a part of so far?
While I’m not able to discuss ongoing new product development projects, I have had the opportunity to be involved in several exciting process improvement initiatives. One of the biggest challenges in this industry is lead time, so I have been collaborating across the organization to identify strategies to reduce lead times and improve overall efficiency.
I’m looking forward to seeing the impact these initiatives have on both operational performance and customer satisfaction.
You frequently work from our facilities in Smithfield, RI. How do you believe our HPNE products fit into the greater Getinge portfolio?
I am technically a remote employee based in New Hampshire, but I value time in the office and typically make the trip to Smithfield once a week. It’s an exciting time to be part of HPNE as we continue integrating into the broader Getinge organization.
Getinge has a strong presence in upstream bioprocessing through Applikon and their bioreactors, and in downstream processing with sterile transfer solutions. The comprehensive single-use and fluid transfer portfolio at HPNE plays a key role in bridging the process from cell expansion through to final fill, supporting end-to-end bioprocessing solutions for our customers.
What is something you have found the most surprising or unexpected in your role so far?
The most surprising thing so far has been just how much of a Product Manager’s job is really about herding cats - or, in my case, coordinating between the different functions. I thought I’d be spending most of my time focused on new product development, but a lot of the real impact has been coming from keeping everyone on the same page regarding existing products.
It’s challenging, sometimes chaotic, but also really rewarding - and I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected twists and opinions of others.
There are a lot of new and promising technologies emerging in the biopharma industry at the moment. What are some of the trends you have noticed, and are there any you find particularly interesting?
I’ve definitely noticed a few big themes coming up again and again. One is the shift toward cell and gene therapies, which is driving a lot of innovation in smaller-scale, high-value manufacturing.
Another big one is the continued growth of single-use technologies - not just bags and assemblies, but also pumps, sensors, and automation that are becoming more integrated into end-to-end workflows. I’m also seeing more conversations about next-generation modalities like mRNA and viral vectors, and the need for flexible, modular facilities to support them.
The area I personally find most interesting is the push toward process intensification and continuous bioprocessing. It feels like the industry is at a point where those technologies are moving from concept into real adoption, and it’s exciting to see how they might change efficiency and scalability in the next few years.
Could you tell us a little bit about something you are passionate about outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m really passionate about being outdoors and taking advantage of everything New England has to offer. In the winter I love skiing; there’s just something about being on the mountain that’s both exciting and refreshing.
Once the snow melts, I spend a lot of time hiking or walking, and in the summer I’m usually at the beach or the lake whenever I can be. I think what I enjoy most is how the seasons here completely change the way you can spend your time outdoors — it keeps things interesting and gives me a chance to recharge in different ways throughout the year.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be, and why?
If I could have any superpower, I’d definitely choose flying. Not only would the sightseeing be amazing, but it would also mean I’d never have to sit in traffic again. I think getting to skip the morning commute and just glide into work would be a pretty unbeatable perk.
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About HPNE
As the industry needs grow, High Purity New England, Inc. continues to supply the biopharmaceutical industry with a range of innovative products, from drug discovery and development to fill-finish, including their flagship product, custom single-use assemblies, as well as pumps, sensors, bioreactor systems, storage and handling solutions and other single-use solutions. Along with their own manufactured products for the global market, they are also a distributor for more than 18 brands in North America.
