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, represents a critical moment for the Switzerland-based hearing care solutions provider as it navigates evolving market conditions and maintains its innovation trajectory in the competitive hearing care industry.
The significance of this executive change lies in 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. Bernard's leadership will be crucial for the company that operates through four business units: Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants, serving consumers in more than 100 countries through globally diversified sales and distribution channels.
Bernard's appointment carries important implications for Sonova's continued innovation efforts, particularly given the company's recent recognition as number 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine. This ranking, selected from 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries, underscores Sonova's competitive position in the European market and the importance of maintaining this innovation edge in personal audio devices, wireless communication systems, and hearing technology solutions.
The new CEO will guide Sonova through global economic factors that could impact the hearing care industry, including exchange rate fluctuations, legal provisions, market conditions, and competitive activities. With approximately 18,000 employees worldwide working toward Sonova's vision of creating a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing, Bernard's leadership will be instrumental in navigating these challenges while driving the company's portfolio of core brands such as Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license), and Advanced Bionics toward continued growth and market leadership.
