Alcon ANZ has appointed Penny Stewart to lead its surgical franchise in Australia and New Zealand, replacing Karen Fowler, who will now head up Alcon APAC surgical commercial operations and strategic projects.

Stewart, who will be based in Alcon’s Macquarie Park offices in Sydney, holds a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology and a master’s in applied science in pathology and management. She began her career as a medical scientist in pathology and brings over 25 years’ experience with roles at Abbott Laboratories, Philips, Roche Diagnostics, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Becton and Dickinson and Company. Prior to the Alcon ANZ role she was general manager for Abbott’s structural heart franchise.

Penny Stewart

Chintan Desai, vice-president of Alcon APAC, welcomed Stewart’s appointment. “Alcon’s surgical franchise in Australia and New Zealand is one of the most important markets for the region and I’m delighted to welcome Penny 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 see brilliantly.”

Heading Alcon’s surgical franchise in ANZ is a wonderful honour, said Stewart. “I’m looking forward to meeting with ANZ eyecare professionals and continuing the outstanding reputation that Alcon has for customer centricity and excellence in product innovation in ocular care and health.”