Bausch + Lomb CEO Saunders steps down, Chairman Appio appointed interim chief
BLCO•Bausch + Lomb CEO Brent Saunders will depart by mutual agreement with the board, and Chairman Thomas Appio will become interim chief immediately. The company and Bausch Health expect to raise their 2026 adjusted EBITDA forecasts after preliminary third-quarter results.
1. Leadership change
Saunders will leave Bausch + Lomb after a mutual agreement with the board; the company did not disclose a reason. Appio, Bausch Health’s CEO since 2022 and a former head of Bausch + Lomb’s international business, will take over on an interim basis immediately. Saunders had led Bausch + Lomb since 2023 and previously served there from 2010 to 2013.
2. Forecasts due October 28
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. Bausch + Lomb’s current full-year forecast is $1.025 billion to $1.075 billion, and both companies plan to provide updated forecasts with their third-quarter results on October 28. Citi said the timing of Saunders’ departure “seems sudden,” while Appio’s experience positions him well to lead during the transition.
