Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, has named Robert Bertolini as president and chief financial officer effective immediately. In this capacity, he will oversee the company's Finance, Information Technology and Global Quality and Operations (GQO) functions. Bertolini, who assumes CFO responsibilities from Brian J. Harris, will report to Bausch + Lomb's chief executive officer, Brent Saunders.
"Bob Bertolini's extensive strategic, operational and transformative leadership experience as a CFO of one of the world's leading publicly traded healthcare companies will enable Bausch + Lomb to further unlock our potential and accelerate our performance," said Saunders. "I've had the opportunity to work closely with Bob over many years. We are gratified to have an executive of his caliber join our team at this pivotal period in our history."
Bertolini's broad-based experience and deep knowledge of business operations and strategy have consistently enabled the companies he has been involved with to improve overall performance and accelerate business results.
"Under Brent's leadership, Bausch + Lomb has made tremendous progress over the last few years, and I'm looking forward to working with him and the entire Bausch + Lomb management team to take the company to the next level," said Bertolini. "We have a compelling opportunity to realize Bausch + Lomb's vision of becoming the best global eye health company, for our customers and the patients they serve. I am excited and honored to become part of this team."
Mr. Bertolini previously was executive vice president and chief financial officer at Schering-Plough Corporation from 2003 until its merger with Merck & Co. in 2009. During his tenure, Bertolini worked as a business partner with the chief executive officer in all aspects of transforming the company's operations. He had responsibility for key financial areas including tax, accounting and financial asset management, among other areas; built world-class finance and information technology functions; and led business development and strategy.
Earlier in his career, Bertolini spent 20 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately becoming partner and leading the Global Pharmaceutical Industry practice. In this capacity, Bertolini was a senior adviser to top management at some of the most well-known healthcare companies on financial and general business issues including licensing agreements, merger & acquisition transactions, IPOs, strategic partnering, audit, financial controls and corporate governance.
Bertolini earned his bachelor's degree in economics at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a current board member of Actelion Pharmaceuticals and Charles River Labs, and a former board member of Genzyme Corporation.
"Brian Harris has contributed to Bausch + Lomb in so many ways, and I want to thank him for his outstanding service to date," said Saunders. "As a result of Brian's great work, we're exploring the possibility of having him take on a different senior leadership role at Bausch + Lomb."
About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is one of the best-known and most respected healthcare companies in the world. Its core businesses include contact lenses and lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. Founded in 1853, the company is headquartered in Rochester, NY, and employs roughly 11,000 people worldwide. Its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information is available at www.bausch.com.
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