Advanced Bionics announces new president and management board member

Valencia, California, July 1, 2024 – Advanced Bionics (AB), a global leader in cochlear implant technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alistair Simpson as its new president, and Group Vice President (GVP) for cochlear implants on the Sonova Management Board, effective immediately.

Vicky Carr-Brendel, Ph.D., has decided to retire from executive roles as GVP Cochlear Implants and President of Advanced Bionics for personal reasons at the end of June, 2024, after successfully leading the business since 2019.

During her five-year tenure, Vicky hired and retained an excellent team in the cochlear implants space and improved the profitability of the business. Under her leadership, AB introduced its most successful cochlear implant sound processor Marvel CI and a series of groundbreaking technologies such as complete CI Remote Programming. She established a strong “we do it right culture” at Advanced Bionics, further increasing the focus on quality and compliance. She has been a valued colleague on the Management Board and exemplified passionate, inclusive, and performance-driven leadership, making a significant contribution to Sonova overall. We are grateful to Vicky’s leadership and wish her all the best.

Alistair Simpson, AB’s new president and GVP for cochlear implants on the Sonova Management Board, is an experienced business executive with an excellent track record in managing full P&Ls as a General Manager, including leading marketing, sales, and R&D functions. He brings longstanding expertise in operational excellence and highly regulated medical devices, including successful commercialization of multiple new products in a variety of therapeutic areas. Alistair is well-versed in interacting and building relationships with key physician contacts, and looks back to more than 10 years of experience in operating as well as building business systems. Thus, he successfully combines customer-centricity with being a process-driven business leader. Additionally, he has multi-region professional experience, and has held various senior leadership positions in companies including Johnson & Johnson, Danaher and LivaNova. He holds an MBA from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Glasgow.

"I am honored to join such an innovative company with passionate employees who are dedicated to making a difference," said Alistair Simpson. "AB has a strong foundation, and I look forward to working with the talented team to build on this success and drive further growth and innovation."

Alistair’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as AB continues to expand its market presence and explore new opportunities following the tremendous success of groundbreaking innovations such as Marvel CI sound processor and complete CI Remote Programming. His leadership will enable AB to continue the successful strategy execution aiming to drive growth through innovation and expansion of our customer access.

For more information, please visit: advancedbionics.com.

Advanced Bionics is a global leader in developing hearing solutions for individuals with severe-to-profound hearing loss who no longer benefit from hearing aids. Founded in 1993 and a subsidiary of the Sonova Group since 2009, AB develops cutting-edge cochlear implant technology that allows recipients to hear their best. AB joined Phonak as part of the Sonova Group of companies and began a collaboration unlike any other in the industry. Since then, the innovation leaders in cochlear implants and hearing aids have continuously combined technologies to deliver new, unequalled hearing solutions.

With sales in more than 50 countries and a proven track record for developing high-performing, state-of-the-art products, AB’s talented worldwide group of technologists and professionals are driven to engage with patients and professionals, work with integrity, and stay firmly committed to the best possible performance.

Advanced Bionics LLC
Email: Media.Relations@advancedbionics.com