WS Audiology Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

WS Audiology has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to improving lives, WS Audiology focuses on advancing hearing healthcare technology to make quality sound accessible for individuals with hearing impairments worldwide.

Leadership Roles at WS Audiology

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - William Lankenau
  • Chief Financial Officer - Marius van der Westhuizen
  • Chief Financial Officer (China) - Howard Qin
  • President, Wholesale (US) - Mike O'Neil
  • President (APAC) - James Benston
  • Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer - Soo Wee
  • William Lankenau - President & Chief Executive Officer

    William Lankenau, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WS Audiology, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Lankenau guides the integration of over 140 years of combined experience from Sivantos and Widex, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of hearing healthcare technology. Overseeing the development and execution of business initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures WS Audiology's diverse portfolio of brands, including Widex, Signia, and Rexton, effectively reaches individuals with hearing loss across more than 125 markets. William Lankenau drives the company's mission to enhance quality of life by making advanced hearing solutions accessible through wholesale, retail, online, and managed care channels. This leadership role involves fostering innovation and maintaining strong investor relations with EQT, solidifying WS Audiology's position as a private leader in the medical manufacturing sector.

    Marius van der Westhuizen - Chief Financial Officer

    Marius van der Westhuizen, the Chief Financial Officer at WS Audiology, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Van der Westhuizen oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, supporting WS Audiology's global expansion and product development initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer ensures robust financial controls are in place across the company's operations in over 125 markets, safeguarding assets and optimizing profitability. Marius van der Westhuizen plays a critical part in evaluating investment opportunities and managing relationships with financial institutions, aligning fiscal strategies with the company's mission to improve hearing healthcare accessibility. This executive role involves driving financial efficiency to support the continuous innovation of hearing aid brands like Widex and Signia.

    Howard Qin - Chief Financial Officer (China)

    Howard Qin, the Chief Financial Officer (China) at WS Audiology, directs financial strategy and operations specifically for the vital Chinese market. Qin oversees all fiscal activities within China, including financial reporting, compliance, and strategic investment, ensuring alignment with WS Audiology's global financial objectives and local market demands. The Chief Financial Officer (China) manages relationships with local financial institutions and regulatory bodies, facilitating the company's growth in this key region. Howard Qin's responsibilities include optimizing financial performance for WS Audiology's brands within China, supporting the accessibility of advanced hearing solutions to a significant population. This role is crucial for navigating the complexities of the Chinese healthcare market and driving sustainable financial outcomes.

    Mike O'Neil - President, Wholesale (US)

    Mike O'Neil, the President, Wholesale (US) at WS Audiology, leads the company's wholesale business operations across the United States. O'Neil directs sales strategies and channel management for WS Audiology's diverse hearing aid brands, including Signia and Rexton, within the US market. The President, Wholesale (US) is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with wholesale partners, ensuring effective distribution and market penetration. Mike O'Neil drives revenue growth and market share expansion by optimizing the wholesale sales funnel and identifying new business opportunities. This leadership position involves overseeing a dedicated sales team focused on delivering comprehensive hearing solutions to a broad customer base, directly contributing to WS Audiology's mission of making quality sound accessible.

    James Benston - President (APAC)

    James Benston, the President (APAC) at WS Audiology, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and operational oversight throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Benston directs market expansion, sales performance, and business development across numerous countries within the APAC territory, ensuring WS Audiology's hearing healthcare solutions reach diverse populations. The President (APAC) manages key stakeholder relationships and navigates the unique market dynamics of the region to drive growth for brands like Widex and Audio Service. James Benston is instrumental in adapting global strategies to local needs, fostering strong regional teams, and ensuring the accessibility of advanced hearing technology. This executive role is critical for extending WS Audiology's impact and improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments across the vast APAC landscape.

    Soo Wee - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Soo Wee, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at WS Audiology, provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the HR leadership. Wee manages complex scheduling, coordinates executive communications, and facilitates the smooth functioning of the human resources department, ensuring efficient support for WS Audiology's global workforce. The Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer plays a key role in organizing meetings, preparing documentation, and managing confidential information related to employee relations and talent management. Soo Wee's contributions are essential for enabling the Chief Human Resources Officer to focus on strategic initiatives, such as talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive company culture across WS Audiology's extensive international operations. This support ensures HR functions effectively support the company's mission.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WS Audiology Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WS Audiology?
    WS Audiology is led by William Lankenau (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Marius van der Westhuizen (Chief Financial Officer) and Howard Qin (Chief Financial Officer (China)).
    Who is part of WS Audiology’s executive team?
    The executive team of WS Audiology includes leaders such as William Lankenau (President & Chief Executive Officer), Marius van der Westhuizen (Chief Financial Officer), Howard Qin (Chief Financial Officer (China)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WS Audiology have?
    WS Audiology has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WS Audiology’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WS Audiology includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (China), President, Wholesale (US), President (APAC).