Bausch + Lomb CEO Saunders departs, Chairman Appio named interim chief
BLCO•Bausch + Lomb CEO Brent Saunders will depart after an agreement with the board, and Chairman Thomas Appio will become interim chief immediately. The company’s current full-year adjusted EBITDA forecast is $1.025 billion to $1.075 billion; updated forecasts are due October 28.
1. Leadership change
Bausch + Lomb said Brent Saunders will leave the company after a mutual agreement with the board. Chairman Thomas Appio will take over as interim chief executive immediately. The company did not disclose a reason for Saunders’ departure.
2. Forecasts and reaction
Saunders had led Bausch + Lomb since 2023, after an earlier stint from 2010 to 2013. Appio has been Bausch Health’s CEO since 2022 and previously led Bausch + Lomb’s international business. Citi analysts said the timing seemed sudden, while Evercore ISI analysts said investors would watch whether the change affects Bausch Health’s plans for its controlling stake. Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health expect to raise their 2026 adjusted EBITDA forecasts, excluding acquired research and development costs, based on preliminary third-quarter results; updated forecasts are due October 28.
