Bausch and Lomb names new chief financial officer

Bausch and Lomb has announced the appointment of Robert Bertolini as its new president and chief financial officer (CFO), overseeing the company's finance, IT and global quality and operations functions.

Mr Bertolini, an experienced business leader with extensive experience of the healthcare industry, is succeeding Brian Harris, who is being considered for an alternative senior role within the company.

The new CFO previously occupied the corresponding role with pharmaceutical firm Schering-Plough between 2003 and 2009, when the company merged with Merck Sharp and Dohme.

He played a key role in transforming its operations, leading business development and strategy and taking responsibility for key functions such as tax, accounting and financial asset management.

Bausch and Lomb's chief executive officer Brent Saunders said: "I've had the opportunity to work closely with Bob over many years. We are gratified to have an executive of his calibre join our team at this pivotal period in our history."

This comes after the firm completed the acquisition of Technolas Perfect Vision last month, forming a new corporate entity known as Bausch and Lomb Technolas.