On October 12, Bausch + Lomb announced that CEO Brent Saunders would leave the company, effective immediately, by mutual agreement with the board. The company did not disclose a reason.
Board chairman Thomas J. Appio was named interim CEO. He will also continue as CEO of parent company Bausch Health, a role he has held since 2022.
Saunders had led Bausch + Lomb since 2023; it was his second stint as CEO, after leading the company from 2010 to 2013.
The leadership change came as the companies said preliminary third-quarter performance could lead them to raise full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance. More details were expected with results scheduled for October 28.
The sudden departure prompted questions from analysts, though some pointed to Appio’s long experience with the business as a source of continuity.
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