Bausch + Lomb Corporation and its parent company, Bausch Health Companies Inc announced that Bausch + Lomb Board of Directors Chairman Thomas J. Appio has been appointed interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Appio will continue to serve as CEO of Bausch Health while assuming leadership of Bausch + Lomb.
Appio was appointed chairman of the Bausch + Lomb Board of Directors in August 2026. The Board believes Appio’s deep knowledge of the business, global leadership experience and longstanding connection to Bausch + Lomb position him well to build on the company’s momentum and lead its next phase of growth.
“The opportunity to lead Bausch + Lomb is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with great enthusiasm,” said Appio. “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.”
Leadership Transition and Background
Appio has served as CEO of Bausch Health since 2022. Under his leadership, Bausch Health (excluding Bausch + Lomb) has delivered 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP).1 He held several leadership roles within Bausch + Lomb prior to the company’s initial public offering in 2022. Appio joined Bausch + Lomb in 2010 as managing director, China, and in 2016 assumed the role of president, Bausch + Lomb International.
Brent Saunders, who has served as Bausch + Lomb CEO since 2023, and the Board of Directors mutually agreed that Saunders will depart the company.
“When I returned to Bausch + Lomb, I believed this company had tremendous potential,” said Saunders. “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.”
1 This is a non-GAAP measure or a non-GAAP ratio.
