Bausch + Lomb has announced the departure of CEO Brent Saunders, less than four years after he returned to lead the global eye health company for a second time.
In a statement issued Oct. 12, Bausch + Lomb and its parent company, Bausch Health, confirmed that Saunders and the company's board of directors had mutually agreed to his departure. No further explanation was provided for the leadership change.
Thomas J. Appio, chairman of Bausch + Lomb's board of directors and CEO of Bausch Health, has been appointed interim CEO, effective immediately. Appio will continue leading Bausch Health while assuming responsibility for Bausch + Lomb.
Saunders returned to Bausch + Lomb in 2023, having previously served as CEO from 2010 to 2013 before the company's acquisition by Valeant Pharmaceuticals. He also served as CEO of Allergan until its $63 billion acquisition by AbbVie in 2020.
Reflecting on his second tenure at Bausch + Lomb, Saunders highlighted the company's progress in strengthening its business operations, expanding its innovation pipeline and positioning itself for future growth.
"When I returned to Bausch + Lomb, I believed this company had tremendous potential," Saunders said in a company statement. "Today, it is stronger, more focused and better positioned for the future, with a clearer strategy, a more robust pipeline and significant opportunities ahead. The progress we've made reflects the talent, passion and commitment of colleagues across the organization, and I'm proud of everything we've accomplished together.”
In a separate LinkedIn post, Saunders emphasized the progress made during his leadership, citing investments in innovation, improved financial performance and the company's continued focus on supporting patients and eye care professionals. In the post, he stated: "What we've accomplished together over the past several years has been remarkable. We've strengthened the business, advanced our innovation pipeline, invested for the future and built meaningful momentum across the organization. We've delivered strong results, raised our outlook and positioned Bausch + Lomb for long-term success. Most importantly, we've done it while staying focused on what matters most: serving customers, supporting patients and helping people see better to live better."
A familiar face takes the helm
Appio, who was appointed chairman of the Bausch + Lomb board in August 2026, brings extensive experience within the organization. He has served as CEO of Bausch Health since 2022, overseeing a period in which the company's operations, excluding Bausch + Lomb, reported 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA.
His association with Bausch + Lomb dates to 2010, when he joined as managing director for China. He subsequently became president of Bausch + Lomb International in 2016, a position he held before the company's initial public offering in 2022.
The board cited Appio's familiarity with the business, international leadership experience and longstanding relationship with Bausch + Lomb as key factors supporting his interim appointment.
"The opportunity to lead Bausch + Lomb is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with great enthusiasm," Appio said. "Our company is built on the strength of our people, the quality of our portfolio and a relentless commitment to serving customers and patients around the world. With a strong foundation, we are well positioned to build on our momentum and deliver sustainable growth.”
Financial outlook remains positive
The leadership transition comes as Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health anticipate improvements to their full-year 2026 financial guidance.
Based on preliminary third-quarter results, both companies expect to raise their adjusted EBITDA guidance, excluding acquired in-process research and development expenses.
Further details are expected when the companies report their third-quarter financial results Oct. 28.
Bausch + Lomb, which operates across contact lenses, surgical ophthalmology, pharmaceuticals and consumer eye care, became a separately listed company in 2022, although Bausch Health retained a controlling interest.
The company has not announced a timeline for appointing a permanent successor to Saunders, leaving Appio responsible for overseeing its operations and strategic direction during the transition.
The unexpected departure marks another significant leadership change for one of the ophthalmic industry's major manufacturers, as it continues to pursue growth across its eye care portfolio.
Source: Bausch + Lomb.
