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 patient outcomes. This leadership role involves managing complex international supply chains and fostering partnerships with clinical stakeholders across major healthcare markets. By prioritizing long-term growth and technological advancement, Dig Howitt maintains the company's position as a leader in hearing solutions. The Chief Executive Officer & President drives operational efficiency across all manufacturing facilities, ensuring that high-quality standards remain consistent. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and market expansion, the Chief Executive Officer & President secures the financial health and competitive advantage of the organization in the rapidly evolving medical technology landscape.

Sarah Thom, the Chief Financial Officer at Cochlear, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the medical device manufacturer. Overseeing financial planning, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains the resources necessary to fund ongoing research into cochlear and bone conduction technologies. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to evaluate investment opportunities in emerging markets and manufacturing capacity. By optimizing the capital structure, Sarah Thom supports the long-term sustainability of the business model. The Chief Financial Officer drives financial discipline across all departments, ensuring that resource distribution aligns with strategic growth objectives. Through rigorous analysis of market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer provides the insights required to navigate the complexities of the global medical device industry. This financial oversight remains critical to the continued delivery of innovative hearing solutions to patients worldwide.

Christopher Bertrand, the President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council at Cochlear, directs market penetration strategies across developing regions. Overseeing the expansion of access to the Nucleus and Baha product lines, the President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council builds relationships with local healthcare providers and regulatory bodies. This leadership role involves identifying growth opportunities in underserved territories to increase the adoption of hearing implant technology. By tailoring commercial strategies to specific regional needs, Christopher Bertrand drives the company's footprint in high-potential markets. The President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council coordinates with global teams to ensure that clinical training and support services meet local requirements. Through the development of sustainable market entry models, the President (Latin America) & Head of Emerging Market Council expands the reach of the company's medical devices, ultimately improving hearing outcomes for patients in diverse geographic environments.

Stu Sayers, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America at Cochlear, manages commercial operations and regional growth strategies. Overseeing the distribution and clinical support of hearing implants, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America ensures that medical professionals receive the necessary training to utilize the company's technology effectively. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and healthcare systems across vast territories. By driving sales performance and market development, Stu Sayers expands the availability of the Nucleus and Baha systems to a broader patient population. The President, Asia Pacific & Latin America coordinates with local teams to optimize supply chain logistics and service delivery. Through the execution of regional business plans, the President, Asia Pacific & Latin America supports the company's mission to provide hearing solutions to diverse populations. This operational focus ensures that the organization maintains a strong competitive presence in key international markets.

Karen O'Driscoll, the Chief Information Officer at Cochlear, architects the digital infrastructure supporting global medical device operations. Managing enterprise-wide data systems and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures the integrity of patient information and manufacturing data. This leadership role involves integrating advanced analytics into the product development lifecycle to enhance the performance of the Hybrid electro-acoustic implant. By modernizing internal platforms, Karen O'Driscoll optimizes communication between research teams and clinical partners across diverse geographic regions. The Chief Information Officer drives digital transformation initiatives that streamline manufacturing processes and improve supply chain visibility. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the company's mission to provide reliable hearing technology. This strategic focus on information technology enables the organization to maintain high operational standards while adapting to the increasing demands of the global healthcare market.