WS Audiology Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

WS Audiology has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and regional operations.

Driven by innovation, WS Audiology is dedicated to advancing hearing healthcare technology, improving quality of life by making quality sound accessible to individuals with hearing impairments across more than 125 markets.

Leadership Roles at WS Audiology

  • Chief Executive Officer - David Dong
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - William Lankenau
  • Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa) - Trudy Walker
  • Chief Financial Officer - Irma Wilden
  • 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
  • David Dong - Chief Executive Officer

    David Dong, the Chief Executive Officer at WS Audiology, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Dong's leadership focuses on advancing hearing healthcare technology, aligning with WS Audiology's mission to improve quality of life through accessible sound solutions. This executive guides the integration of over 140 years of combined experience from Sivantos and Widex, ensuring a unified approach to innovation. Dong oversees the development and deployment of a diverse portfolio of hearing aid brands, including Widex, Signia, Rexton, Audio Service, and Vibe. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with key stakeholders and driving the company's expansion into new markets. David Dong ensures that WS Audiology maintains its position as a global leader in hearing healthcare, emphasizing accessible, high-quality sound for individuals with hearing impairments worldwide.

    William Lankenau - President & Chief Executive Officer

    William Lankenau, the President & Chief Executive Officer at WS Audiology, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. Lankenau's role involves driving the integration of innovative hearing healthcare solutions, directly supporting WS Audiology's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing loss. This executive oversees the company's extensive portfolio, which includes prominent brands such as Widex, Signia, and Rexton, ensuring their market presence and technological advancement. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages critical relationships across wholesale, retail, and managed care channels, facilitating comprehensive hearing solutions. William Lankenau's leadership is pivotal in navigating the complexities of operating in over 125 markets, reinforcing WS Audiology's global impact. By focusing on accessible sound technology, Lankenau ensures the company's continued growth and its mission to serve individuals with hearing impairments effectively.

    Trudy Walker - Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa)

    Trudy Walker, the Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa) at WS Audiology, directs the company's strategic initiatives and operational management within the South African market. Walker's leadership focuses on expanding access to innovative hearing healthcare solutions, aligning with WS Audiology's global mission to improve quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments. This executive oversees the deployment of WS Audiology's diverse portfolio of hearing aid brands, ensuring their effective distribution and market penetration in South Africa. The Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa) manages relationships with wholesale partners, retail outlets, and healthcare providers, facilitating comprehensive hearing solutions. Trudy Walker's responsibilities include driving business growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. By leading WS Audiology's efforts in South Africa, Walker directly contributes to making quality sound accessible to a significant population segment.

    Irma Wilden - Chief Financial Officer

    Irma Wilden, the Chief Financial Officer at WS Audiology, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the global organization. Wilden's responsibilities encompass managing the company's financial health, ensuring robust capital allocation, and driving profitability across its diverse business segments. This executive oversees budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, providing critical insights to support WS Audiology's mission of making quality sound accessible. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key role in evaluating investment opportunities and managing financial risks associated with operating in over 125 markets worldwide. Irma Wilden's expertise is crucial in maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions, underpinning the company's private ownership structure. By optimizing financial performance, Wilden directly contributes to WS Audiology's capacity for innovation and its ability to deliver advanced hearing solutions.

    Howard Qin - Chief Financial Officer (China)

    Howard Qin, the Chief Financial Officer (China) at WS Audiology, leads financial strategy and operations specifically within the vital Chinese market. Qin's role involves overseeing all fiscal activities, including financial planning, accounting, and compliance, tailored to the unique economic landscape of China. This executive ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to support WS Audiology's growth objectives and its mission to provide advanced hearing solutions in the region. The Chief Financial Officer (China) collaborates closely with local leadership to drive revenue and manage expenses, optimizing profitability for WS Audiology's Chinese operations. Howard Qin's financial acumen is essential for navigating regulatory requirements and market dynamics, ensuring sustainable business practices. By managing financial performance in China, Qin directly contributes to the company's global strategy of making quality sound accessible to a broader population.

    Mike O'Neil - President, Wholesale (US)

    Mike O'Neil, the President, Wholesale (US) at WS Audiology, spearheads the company's wholesale business operations across the United States. O'Neil's leadership focuses on expanding the reach of WS Audiology's innovative hearing solutions through strategic partnerships with wholesale clients. This executive oversees the sales, distribution, and account management functions within the US wholesale channel, ensuring seamless delivery of hearing aid brands like Widex and Signia. The President, Wholesale (US) plays a crucial role in developing and executing strategies that drive revenue growth and market share in this key segment. Mike O'Neil's expertise in wholesale operations is vital for connecting WS Audiology's advanced technology with a broad network of providers. By optimizing the wholesale channel, O'Neil directly supports the company's mission to make quality sound accessible to individuals with hearing impairments throughout the US.

    James Benston - President (APAC)

    James Benston, the President (APAC) at WS Audiology, directs the company's strategic growth and operational oversight across the Asia-Pacific region. Benston's leadership is focused on expanding access to WS Audiology's advanced hearing healthcare technologies throughout this diverse and dynamic market. This executive manages a broad portfolio of hearing aid brands, ensuring their effective market entry and sustained presence across numerous APAC countries. The President (APAC) oversees regional sales, distribution networks, and strategic partnerships, driving the company's mission to improve quality of life through accessible sound solutions. James Benston's deep understanding of regional market nuances is critical for tailoring WS Audiology's offerings to meet local needs. By leading the APAC operations, Benston significantly contributes to the company's global impact and its commitment to serving individuals with hearing impairments worldwide.

    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 HR leadership. Wee's role involves managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and facilitating communication to ensure the smooth functioning of the human resources department. This support is vital for implementing WS Audiology's strategies related to talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive work environment. The Executive Assistant To Chief Human Resources Officer assists in organizing HR initiatives that align with the company's mission of advancing hearing healthcare technology. Soo Wee's organizational skills are instrumental in managing HR projects and ensuring that employee-related matters are handled efficiently. By supporting the Chief Human Resources Officer, Wee contributes to building a strong, capable workforce dedicated to WS Audiology's global objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WS Audiology Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WS Audiology?
    WS Audiology is led by David Dong (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as William Lankenau (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Trudy Walker (Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa)).
    Who is part of WS Audiology’s executive team?
    The executive team of WS Audiology includes leaders such as David Dong (Chief Executive Officer), William Lankenau (President & Chief Executive Officer), Trudy Walker (Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WS Audiology have?
    WS Audiology has 8 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 Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Country Chief Executive Officer (South Africa), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (China).