Bausch + Lomb Appointed Thomas J. Appio as Interim CEO
Thomas J. Appio takes over leadership as Brent Saunders exits the eyecare company.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in People
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The Bausch + Lomb Board of Directors has appointed Thomas J. Appio as the company’s interim chief executive officer. This leadership transition follows the mutual departure of Brent Saunders, who had served as the firm’s CEO since 2023.
Why it matters
The board selected Appio for his extensive global leadership experience and his deep familiarity with the business. His appointment comes as the company navigates a strategic period for both Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health.
The company has recorded 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth. Both Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health currently operate under a blackout period as they prepare to raise full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance.
The players
Thomas J. Appio
He is the interim chief executive officer of Bausch + Lomb who also serves as the CEO of Bausch Health.
Brent Saunders
He is the former chief executive officer of Bausch + Lomb who served in the role starting in 2023.
The details
Thomas J. Appio, who currently serves as the chief executive officer of Bausch Health and chairman of the Bausch + Lomb Board, joined the organisation in 2010. Operations continue in Vaughan, Ontario, as the company prepares to report its third-quarter financial results.
Timeline
Thomas J. Appio joined Bausch + Lomb in 2010.
Thomas J. Appio began serving as Bausch Health CEO in 2022.
Brent Saunders began serving as Bausch + Lomb CEO in 2023.
Appio was appointed Bausch + Lomb Board Chairman in August 2026.
Companies will report third-quarter results on October 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows a period of stability marked by 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth. The move aims to maintain momentum as the organisation positions itself against competitors in the global health and eyecare sector.
Consumers and clients should monitor the upcoming third-quarter report to see how the change in leadership influences the company's financial direction. The appointment of Appio suggests a continuity strategy for existing corporate operations and future guidance.
The takeaway
The appointment of a familiar executive as interim leader signals a board preference for internal continuity. Stakeholders should watch the October 28 earnings call for updates on the firm's adjusted EBITDA projections.
What happens next
The companies are scheduled to report their third-quarter results on October 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on executive moves, see our People section.
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