Cochlear Executive and Leadership Team

Dig Howitt, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Cochlear, directs the global strategic vision for the medical device manufacturer. Overseeing the design and supply of the Nucleus cochlear implant and Baha bone conduction systems, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment between clinical innovation and commercial scalability. This leadership role involves managing complex manufacturing operations across international markets to maintain market dominance. By prioritizing patient-centric outcomes, Dig Howitt drives the organization toward sustainable growth and technological advancement. The Chief Executive Officer & President collaborates with the Board to refine long-term objectives, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of hearing loss solutions. Through rigorous oversight of product development cycles, Howitt secures the operational integrity required to deliver life-changing medical devices to recipients worldwide, reinforcing the company position as a leader in the hearing implant industry.

Sarah Thom, the Chief Financial Officer at Cochlear, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the medical device manufacturer. Overseeing global financial reporting and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the resources necessary to fund ongoing research into the Hybrid electro-acoustic implant and other hearing solutions. This leadership role involves balancing investment in high-growth markets with the maintenance of robust manufacturing margins. By directing financial planning and analysis, Sarah Thom supports the executive team in executing long-term growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends across international regions to mitigate financial risk and optimize capital structure. Through disciplined cost management and strategic resource distribution, Thom secures the financial stability required to sustain the company mission. This oversight ensures that every investment directly contributes to the advancement of hearing technology and the expansion of the global patient base.

Stu Sayers, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America at Cochlear, directs commercial operations and market expansion across these critical geographic regions. Overseeing the distribution of the Nucleus and Baha product lines, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America ensures that healthcare providers receive the necessary support to deliver advanced hearing solutions to patients. This leadership role involves navigating diverse regulatory environments and building strong partnerships with clinical centers. By driving regional sales strategies, Stu Sayers increases market penetration and improves access to life-changing medical devices. The President, Asia Pacific & Latin America collaborates with global leadership to tailor product offerings to specific regional needs, ensuring consistent service quality. Through the management of local teams, Sayers fosters a culture of excellence and patient advocacy. This operational focus directly impacts the company ability to scale its presence in emerging and established markets, ultimately increasing the number of recipients benefiting from hearing technology.

Christopher Bertrand, the President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council at Cochlear, architects strategies to increase access to hearing implants in developing economies. Overseeing the Emerging Market Council, the President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council identifies barriers to adoption and implements solutions to expand the company footprint. This leadership role involves coordinating with local health authorities to integrate the Baha and Nucleus systems into national healthcare frameworks. By driving initiatives that simplify supply chain logistics in complex regions, Christopher Bertrand ensures that medical technology reaches underserved populations. The President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council works closely with the executive team to align emerging market goals with the broader corporate mission. Through the development of sustainable business models, Bertrand facilitates long-term growth in high-potential territories. This strategic focus enables the company to bridge the gap in hearing healthcare, significantly improving patient outcomes across diverse and challenging geographic landscapes.

Karen O'Driscoll, the Chief Information Officer at Cochlear, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global manufacturing and supply chain operations. Managing enterprise-wide data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures secure and efficient information flow across all regional offices. This leadership role involves implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive patient data and proprietary medical device designs. By optimizing digital platforms, Karen O'Driscoll enables seamless collaboration between research teams and manufacturing facilities. The Chief Information Officer drives the integration of cloud-based solutions to enhance operational agility, allowing the company to respond rapidly to market demands. Through the deployment of sophisticated analytics, O'Driscoll provides actionable insights that support strategic decision-making at the executive level. This focus on digital transformation ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in the medical technology sector while upholding the highest standards of data integrity and operational efficiency.