Brent Saunders, who returned to Bausch + Lomb in 2023 for his second stint as CEO, announced his departure on Monday. 

According to a company statement, he and the company's board of directors mutually agreed to his departure. The companies did not provide additional details regarding the leadership transition.

"When I returned to the company in 2023, I believed Bausch + Lomb had tremendous potential. I saw an iconic brand, talented people and an opportunity to build something special. What we've accomplished together over the past several years has been remarkable," Mr. Saunder stated in a Linkedin post. "We've strengthened the business, advanced our innovation pipeline, invested for the future and built meaningful momentum across the organization. We've delivered strong results, raised our outlook and positioned Bausch + Lomb for long-term success. Most importantly, we've done it while staying focused on what matters most: serving customers, supporting patients and helping people see better to live better."

Mr. Saunders previously served as Bausch + Lomb's CEO from 2010 to 2013 before its sale to Valeant Pharmaceuticals. He also served as CEO of Allergan until it was acquired by AbbVie for $63 billion in 2020. Shortly after his return to B+L, EyewireTV conducted an exclusive interview with him to disuss his career and decision to return. 

Thomas J. Appio, chairman of the Bausch + Lomb Board of Directors and CEO of Bausch Health Companies, has been appointed interim CEO of Bausch + Lomb, effective immediately.

Mr. Appio will continue serving as CEO of Bausch Health while assuming leadership of Bausch + Lomb. Mr. Appio was named chairman of the Bausch + Lomb board in August 2026. The board cited his familiarity with the business, international leadership experience, and longstanding relationship with Bausch + Lomb as qualifications for the interim role.

Mr. Appio has served as CEO of Bausch Health since 2022. During his tenure, Bausch Health, excluding Bausch + Lomb, has reported 13 consecutive quarters of year-over-year growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, according to B+L. His experience with Bausch + Lomb dates to 2010, when he joined the company as managing director for China. In 2016, he became president of Bausch + Lomb International, a position he held before the company's initial public offering in 2022.

The companies did not announce a timeline for appointing a permanent CEO.