Clinical Report: Brent Saunders Departs as Bausch + Lomb CEO
Overview
Bausch + Lomb and parent company Bausch Health announced that Brent Saunders and the board mutually agreed to his departure; the companies provided no further explanation. Thomas J. Appio, Bausch Health CEO and Bausch + Lomb board chair, became interim CEO effective immediately. The companies also said preliminary third-quarter results support expectations of higher full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance, with further details expected October 28.
Background
Bausch + Lomb operates across contact lenses, surgical ophthalmology, pharmaceuticals, and consumer eye care, and became separately listed in 2022 while Bausch Health retained a controlling interest. Saunders returned as CEO in 2023, after previously leading the company from 2010 to 2013. Appio has held leadership roles at Bausch + Lomb since joining in 2010 and has served as Bausch Health CEO since 2022. The leadership transition occurs while the companies anticipate updating their 2026 financial outlook.
Data Highlights
| Item | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Departure announcement | October 12; Saunders and the board mutually agreed to his departure |
| Interim CEO | Thomas J. Appio, effective immediately; he will continue as Bausch Health CEO |
| Saunders’ second tenure | Returned in 2023 |
| Appio at Bausch Health | CEO since 2022; the company reported 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA in operations excluding Bausch + Lomb |
| Financial outlook | Both companies expect to raise full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance, excluding acquired in-process research and development expenses, based on preliminary third-quarter results |
| Next results update | Third-quarter financial results expected October 28 |
Key Findings
- Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health confirmed Saunders’ departure in an October 12 statement and gave no further explanation for the leadership change.
- Appio was appointed interim CEO effective immediately and will retain his role as Bausch Health CEO.
- The board cited Appio’s familiarity with the business, international leadership experience, and longstanding relationship with Bausch + Lomb in connection with his appointment.
- Saunders said his tenure included strengthening operations, advancing the innovation pipeline, and investing for the future; these were statements in company and LinkedIn posts.
- Based on preliminary third-quarter results, both companies anticipate raising full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance, excluding acquired in-process research and development expenses.
- No timeline for appointing a permanent successor was announced; further financial details were expected with third-quarter results on October 28.
Clinical Implications
The source reports a corporate leadership transition and financial outlook update, not clinical trial results or changes to patient care. It provides no information about changes to Bausch + Lomb products, clinical programs, or care recommendations following Saunders’ departure.
Conclusion
Appio has assumed interim leadership of Bausch + Lomb while continuing to lead Bausch Health. The companies have not announced a permanent successor and expect to provide further financial guidance details with their third-quarter results.
Related Resources & Content
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- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern® - PubMed
- TFOS DEWS III: Executive Summary - ScienceDirect
- Real-World Experience with Enhanced Monofocal Intraocular Lenses Following Cataract Surgery: A Multicenter Retrospective Case Series | Ophthalmology and Therapy | Springer Nature Link
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