Eric Bernard has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Sonova Holding AG, effective September 15, 2025, succeeding Arnd Kaldowski who served as CEO since April 2018. This leadership transition, initially communicated on May 9, 2025, ensures a structured handover process for the Switzerland-based hearing care solutions provider that operates through four business units: Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants. The company's portfolio includes core brands such as Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license), and Advanced Bionics, along with recognized regional brands serving consumers in more than 100 countries through globally diversified sales and distribution channels.
The leadership change holds particular significance given Sonova's substantial market position and financial performance, with the Group generating sales of CHF 3.9 billion and achieving a net profit of CHF 547 million in the 2024/25 financial year. The company employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide who work toward Sonova's vision of creating a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing. Bernard's appointment carries implications for the company's continued innovation trajectory, especially considering Sonova's recent recognition as number 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine, selected from 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries.
The new CEO will guide Sonova through evolving market conditions and global economic factors that could impact the hearing care industry, with the company acknowledging that forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties including exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, and activities by competitors. Bernard's leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges while maintaining Sonova's innovation edge across its diverse product portfolio including personal audio devices, wireless communication systems, audiological care services, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. This transition represents a strategic moment for a company positioned at the intersection of healthcare technology and consumer electronics, where innovation directly impacts quality of life for millions of hearing-impaired individuals worldwide.
As the hearing care industry continues to evolve with technological advancements and changing consumer expectations, Bernard's leadership will determine how effectively Sonova capitalizes on its market position and research capabilities. The company's established presence through brands like Phonak and Advanced Bionics provides a strong foundation, but maintaining competitive advantage requires continuous adaptation to regulatory changes, technological disruptions, and shifting global market dynamics. The structured transition process initiated in May 2025 suggests careful planning to ensure continuity in Sonova's strategic direction while potentially introducing new perspectives to address emerging opportunities in the hearing care sector.
