Brent Saunders returning to Bausch + Lomb as CEO, board chairman
Saunders is returning to Bausch + Lomb after having served at the company as CEO from 2010 to 2013.
In total, Brent Saunders brings more than 25 years of leadership in health care, having served in president, CEO and chairman roles, among others, at several global pharmaceutical and health care companies. (Adobe Stock image)
Bausch + Lomb Corp. today announced the appointment of Brent Saunders as CEO and chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, effective March 6.
According to the company, as previously announced, Joseph C. Papa will step down from his roles as CEO and director. With Saunders’ appointment as chairman of the board, Thomas W. Ross Sr. will become the Lead Independent Director of the board.
Saunders will join Bausch + Lomb on Thursday, Feb. 16, in an advisory capacity, where he will work closely with Papa.
The company noted in its news release that Saunders will return to Bausch + Lomb after having served at the company as CEO from 2010 to 2013. In total, he brings more than 25 years of leadership in health care, having served in president, CEO and chairman roles, among others, at several global pharmaceutical and health care companies, including Schering-Plough Corporation, Forest Laboratories Inc., Actavis plc, Allergan plc and The Beauty Health Company.
“We are delighted that the board’s thorough search process has concluded with the appointment of Brent Saunders as Bausch + Lomb’s next CEO,” Ross said in the news release. “His strong inner-working knowledge of the Company and unparalleled executive leadership experience in health care make him the ideal person to lead Bausch + Lomb at this pivotal time in our 170-year history. We are confident that Bausch + Lomb is well-positioned for the future under Brent’s leadership as the Company continues to focus on completing its full separation from Bausch Health.”
Ross also lauded Papa for his contributions to Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health. His leadership, ethical values and commitment to excellence across commercial, manufacturing and R&D have improved the lives of countless patients globally.
“I am honored to once again lead Bausch + Lomb during this exciting time as a new publicly traded company,” Saunders said. “Over the course of the company’s history, Bausch + Lomb has always stood at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific and technological optical advancements, and today, Bausch + Lomb is more focused than ever on developing and offering new treatments to meet unmet eye health needs.”
Saunders said he is confident about the company’s future.
“On behalf of all the employees of Bausch + Lomb, I also would like to recognize Joe Papa and thank him for all he has done to advance the health, safety and wellness of patients around the world,” he said.
