Changes at the top for Zeiss ophthalmic biz

March 9, 2020 By Sean Whooley

Carl Zeiss Meditec announced today that Jim Mazzo will retire from his role as president of ophthalmic devices and head of the ophthalmic devices strategic business unit.

Mazzo is slated to continue supporting Zeiss as an advisor, having spent over 40 years in the ophthalmic industry and more than three with Zeiss. His retirement is set to be made effective on May 1.

“Jim has been an integral part of growing our global ophthalmology business and has strengthened a customer-oriented mindset and service into the Zeiss culture,” Zeiss president & CEO Ludwin Monz said in a news release. “His leadership, insights and guidance have been instrumental in building a strong team, while creating a global approach through regional alignment and increasing visibility of professional education for customers. We thank him for his knowledge, leadership and many contributions in helping advance eye care.”

Euan Thomson, a veteran of more than 30 years in the medtech space, has been tabbed as the successor to Mazzo in both roles. Thomson currently serves as the head of the digital business unit for Zeiss, and he is set to continue guiding digital activities.

Before joining Zeiss in September 2019, Thomson held the role of president & CEO at Photoelectron Corporation and Accuray (NSDQ:ARAY) before that. He also worked in venture capital, but most recently led the digital technology development unit at Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ).

“I am very proud of what we have accomplished for customers and employees and pleased to hand over responsibility to Euan and the team,” Mazzo said in the news release. “With this team, we have achieved record-breaking growth. I look forward to continuing my support for Zeiss as an advisor and my involvement in the ophthalmic community.”

“I believe in the great work ZEISS is doing for patients around the world,” added Thomson. “I look forward to continuing the mission to better serve ophthalmic customers and their patients and to supporting and shaping the company’s strategic goals.”

Zeiss also noted that Andrew Chang, the current head of sales for ophthalmic devices, will be appointed as president of Carl Zeiss Meditec and continue to lead the global ophthalmic sales organizations.

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