Updated Version 2 - Bausch + Lomb CEO Saunders resigns; Chairman Appio appointed as interim CEO

Full rewrite, updated stock price data, and added analyst comments in the sixth paragraph

Kunal Das

Reuters, October 12 - Bausch + Lomb BLCO.TO announced on Monday that Chief Executive Officer Brent Saunders, in agreement with the board, will depart from the eye care company. Following the news, the company's US-listed shares dropped more than 7%.

The company did not disclose the reason for Saunders’ departure and did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Chairman Thomas Appio has been appointed as interim CEO, effective immediately. He will continue to serve as CEO of Bausch Health BHC.TO—which holds approximately 87% of Bausch + Lomb’s shares—while also leading the eye care company.

Citi analysts said the management change was “unexpected,” but noted that Appio previously held leadership positions at Bausch + Lomb and is fully capable of leading the company.

Saunders led Bausch + Lomb from 2010 to 2013 and returned as CEO in 2023. Previously, he headed Allergan until it was acquired by AbbVie ABBV.N in 2020 for $63 billion.

Analysts from Leerink said that this sudden management change could pressure the stock price, especially as investors are watching Bausch Health's plans for its stake in Bausch + Lomb. However, they added that the eye care company still has “solid fundamentals.”

Bausch Health in 2022 spun off Bausch + Lomb as a listed company, but retained control. In 2025, a potential sale process ultimately failed to reach a deal.

Additionally, based on preliminary third-quarter results, Bausch + Lomb and Bausch Health expect to raise their forecasts for adjusted EBITDA for 2026 (excluding acquired R&D costs). Bausch + Lomb's current full-year adjusted EBITDA forecast range is $1.025 billion to $1.075 billion.

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