The appointment went into effect today, Aug. 4, 2026. Alongside Foust’s appointment, Lake Forest, California-based Staar named Deborah Andrews, its CFO, an EVP as well.
Foust and Andrews became interim co-CEOs in February, following the resignation of CEO Stephen Farrell the month prior. The changes were made shortly after Staar terminated its agreement to be acquired by Alcon when it realized it wouldn’t receive the necessary shareholder votes to get the deal done.
Now, the implantable collamer lens (ICL) maker says it looks set to drive revenue growth, profit expansion and innovation acceleration under its reshuffled leadership.
“After a rigorous global search, it is clear that Warren is the right leader to take Staar forward,” said Neal C. Bradsher, board chair. “He brings exceptional judgment, operational discipline, and a clear focus on change and innovation. His genuine connection to our mission and people, along with his vision for the surgeons and patients we serve, position him to deliver sustainable, long-term value for shareholders, and the Board looks forward to what Staar will achieve under his leadership. We also want to recognize Deborah Andrews — her leadership as interim co-CEO was exemplary, and we’re delighted she continues in an expanded role as EVP and CFO.”
More about new Staar Surgical CEO Warren Foust
Foust joined Staar in April 2023 as COO and received the title of president in March 2025. During his time at Staar, he oversaw R&D, global sales, marketing, manufacturing and operations. The company says he led it through a successful operation reset and return to profitable growth.
Before joining the company, Foust held senior leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, including as worldwide president of Surgical Vision and worldwide president of Mentor. He also had earlier roles at DePuy Synthes, Aventis Pharmaceuticals and Roche Pharmaceuticals.
“I’m honored by the board’s confidence and excited to get to work,” Foust said. “We have just completed the strongest first half in our company’s history, marked by robust year-over-year growth, increasing profitability, and accelerating market share momentum. Our sequential growth in China — without inventory accumulation — reflects continued share gains, the success of our EVO+ launch, and favorable ASP tailwinds from an improving product mix. Over time, our innovation agenda will transform Staar into a multi-product company and expand our global scale. We have the right technology, the right team, and a compelling long-term opportunity. This is only the beginning.”
More about new CFO Deborah Andrews
Andrews served in various accounting and finance leadership roles at Staar from 1995 until her retirement in 2020. That included two CFO stints — one from 2027 to 2020 and the other from 2005 to 2013.
She rejoined Staar in March 2025 as interim CFO, then took over again on a permanent basis in June 2025. In this role, she oversees Staar’s finance, accounting and internal audit functions, plus information technology and investor relations.
Before her time at the company, Andrews also garnered experience as a senior accountant at KPMG.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside Warren as co-CEO during this important period of transition,” Andrews said. “I have seen firsthand his leadership qualities, his commitment to our people, and his clarity of vision for Staar’s future. I look forward to continuing to serve as CFO and to serving in my new role as EVP, as well as to continuing to work closely with Warren as he leads our company into its next chapter.”
