WS Audiology Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to improving quality of life, WS Audiology focuses on creating advanced hearing technology that makes quality sound accessible to individuals with hearing impairments, leveraging over 140 years of combined experience.

Leadership Roles at WS Audiology

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - William Lankenau
  • Chief Financial Officer - Philip Hipkiss
  • 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 in hearing healthcare technology, ensuring WS Audiology remains at the forefront of innovation. Overseeing the company's mission to make quality sound accessible, Lankenau drives the development and distribution of advanced hearing solutions across more than 125 markets. This leadership role involves aligning diverse teams and brand portfolios, including Widex, Signia, and Rexton, to meet the evolving needs of individuals with hearing impairments. William Lankenau's strategic vision ensures the company's continued growth and impact in enhancing the quality of life for its customers worldwide.

    Philip Hipkiss - Chief Financial Officer

    Philip Hipkiss, the Chief Financial Officer at WS Audiology, manages the company's global financial health and strategic investment initiatives. Hipkiss oversees all financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation, ensuring robust fiscal management across WS Audiology's extensive operations. This role is critical in supporting the company's mission to provide accessible hearing solutions by optimizing resource deployment. Philip Hipkiss directs financial strategies that facilitate innovation in hearing aid technology and supports the expansion of the company's diverse brand portfolio. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to managing relationships with investors and financial institutions, securing the capital necessary for WS Audiology's continued global reach and technological advancement.
    Philip Hipkiss

    Howard Qin - Chief Financial Officer (China)

    Howard Qin, the Chief Financial Officer (China) at WS Audiology, spearheads financial operations and strategic fiscal planning within the vital Chinese market. Qin directs all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and compliance, tailored to the specific dynamics of the region. This executive function is essential for supporting WS Audiology's growth objectives and ensuring the accessibility of advanced hearing solutions in China. Howard Qin's financial acumen drives operational efficiency and supports market penetration strategies for the company's brands. The Chief Financial Officer (China) plays a key part in navigating local economic landscapes and optimizing financial performance to enhance WS Audiology's impact on hearing healthcare within the region.

    Mike O'Neil - President, Wholesale (US)

    Mike O'Neil, the President, Wholesale (US) at WS Audiology, directs the company's wholesale business operations across the United States. O'Neil oversees the strategy and execution for distributing WS Audiology's diverse portfolio of hearing aid brands to wholesale partners. This leadership position is crucial for expanding market reach and ensuring that innovative hearing solutions are accessible through established distribution channels. Mike O'Neil drives revenue growth and strengthens relationships with key wholesale clients, aligning sales efforts with the company's overall mission. The President, Wholesale (US) ensures operational excellence in the supply chain and sales processes, contributing significantly to WS Audiology's market presence and customer service standards within the US.

    James Benston - President (APAC)

    James Benston, the President (APAC) at WS Audiology, leads the company's strategic initiatives and operational oversight throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Benston directs market expansion efforts, drives revenue generation, and ensures the effective deployment of WS Audiology's hearing healthcare technologies across diverse APAC markets. This executive role is pivotal in adapting the company's comprehensive hearing solutions to meet the unique needs of populations within this expansive territory. James Benston fosters strong regional partnerships and manages a complex network of operations to enhance accessibility to quality sound. The President (APAC) is instrumental in achieving WS Audiology's global mission by strengthening its presence and impact across one of the world's most dynamic economic areas.

    Soo Wee - Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer

    Soo Wee, the Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer at WS Audiology, provides critical administrative and operational support to the Human Resources leadership. Wee manages complex scheduling, facilitates communication, and organizes key HR initiatives, ensuring the smooth functioning of departmental operations. This role is integral to supporting the strategic objectives of the Human Resources function, which in turn underpins WS Audiology's ability to attract and retain top talent. Soo Wee's organizational skills contribute to the efficient execution of HR programs designed to foster a productive and innovative work environment. The Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR leadership can focus on strategic workforce planning and employee development.

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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 Philip Hipkiss (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), Philip Hipkiss (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).