Alcon appoints new Cluster Franchise Head, Surgical

Eye care business Alcon ANZ has appointed Penny Stewart, from Abbott Medical ANZ, as Cluster Franchise Head, Surgical and Country Manager Australia and New Zealand. Stewart commenced her role at Alcon on 24 October 2022.

Stewart joins Alcon ANZ following the appointment of Karen Fowler to Head of Commercial Operations and Strategic Projects, Alcon APAC Surgical. Stewart, who has over 25 years’ experience in roles with medical device companies such as Abbott, Phillips, Becton Dickinson, Roche Diagnostics and Bio-Rad Laboratories, previously held the role of general manager for Abbott’s Structural Heart franchise.

Chintan Desai, Vice-President of Alcon’s Surgical Franchise, APAC, welcomed Stewart’s appointment. He said, “Alcon’s Surgical Franchise in Australia and New Zealand is one of the most important markets for the region, and I am delighted to welcome Penny to Alcon as the new Surgical Franchise Head and ANZ Country Manager. Penny’s appointment is critical for us in maintaining our leadership in surgical products and equipment and bringing new innovations to the Australia and New Zealand markets as part of our mission to help patients to see brilliantly.”

Stewart, who will be based in Alcon’s Macquarie Park offices in Sydney, holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and a Masters in Applied Science in Pathology and Management. She began her career as a medical scientist in pathology and has held a range of sales, marketing and commercial leadership roles over the course of her career.

Image: Supplied