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 production of the Nucleus cochlear implant and Baha bone conduction systems, the Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment between research initiatives and market demands. This leadership role involves managing complex international operations while driving sustainable growth across diverse healthcare sectors. By fostering collaboration with the Board and senior leadership, Dig Howitt maintains the company's position as a leader in hearing technology. Howitt prioritizes the expansion of clinical access to implantable solutions, ensuring that the organization meets the evolving needs of patients globally. Through rigorous oversight of manufacturing standards and innovation pipelines, the Chief Executive Officer & President secures the long-term viability of the business model while delivering high-quality medical outcomes for users.

Sarah Thom, the Chief Financial Officer at Cochlear, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the medical device manufacturer. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the resources necessary to support the production of the Nucleus and Baha implant systems. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform investment in research and development. Sarah Thom drives financial performance by optimizing cost structures and monitoring global revenue streams. By providing critical insights to the Board, Thom facilitates informed decision-making regarding international expansion and operational scaling. The Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency with stakeholders while ensuring the financial stability required to sustain long-term growth. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, Thom supports the company's ability to deliver life-changing hearing technology to patients across diverse global markets, ensuring that financial objectives remain aligned with the core mission of restoring hearing.

Stu Sayers, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America at Cochlear, directs the commercial operations and market expansion across these critical geographic regions. Overseeing the distribution and clinical support for the Nucleus and Baha implant systems, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America ensures that patients in these territories receive access to advanced hearing technology. This role involves navigating diverse regulatory environments and building partnerships with healthcare providers to increase market penetration. Stu Sayers drives regional growth strategies that align with the company's global objectives. By managing local teams and optimizing supply chain logistics, Sayers ensures the consistent delivery of medical devices. The President, Asia Pacific & Latin America collaborates with corporate leadership to adapt product offerings to specific regional needs. Through the execution of targeted market development plans, Sayers strengthens the company's presence and impact, ultimately improving hearing outcomes for patients throughout the Asia Pacific and Latin American regions.

Karen O'Driscoll, the Chief Information Officer at Cochlear, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the design and supply of advanced hearing implants. Managing the enterprise-wide technology stack, the Chief Information Officer ensures data integrity and cybersecurity across all manufacturing facilities. This role involves integrating sophisticated software solutions with medical device platforms to enhance patient connectivity and clinical data management. Karen O'Driscoll drives digital transformation initiatives that streamline internal processes and improve operational efficiency. By aligning information technology strategies with the broader corporate mission, O'Driscoll supports the global distribution of the Hybrid electro-acoustic implant. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with cross-functional teams to implement scalable systems that facilitate rapid innovation. Through the deployment of robust digital tools, O'Driscoll enables the organization to maintain a competitive edge in the medical device industry while ensuring compliance with international data protection standards.

Sabina Sopov, the Chief People Officer at Cochlear, directs the human capital strategy for the medical device organization. Overseeing talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce possesses the specialized skills required to manufacture complex hearing implants. This role involves fostering a culture of innovation and clinical excellence across all global offices. Sabina Sopov drives initiatives that attract top-tier engineering and medical talent to support the development of the Hybrid electro-acoustic implant. By aligning human resources policies with the company's strategic goals, Sopov promotes high performance and professional growth. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to build a resilient organizational structure capable of navigating the challenges of the medical device sector. Through the implementation of comprehensive training and development programs, Sopov ensures that the team remains equipped to advance the company's mission of providing life-changing hearing solutions to patients worldwide.