STAAR Surgical CEO to Retire Next Year

Barry G. Caldwell will retire his position as president and CEO of Monrovia, Calif.-based STAAR Surgical Company in March next year. The board of directors has initiated a search to identify Caldwell’s replacement, but he will continue to lead the company, serve on the board and assist in the leadership transition process.  Effective with his retirement, Caldwell will become a consultant to STAAR through March 1, 2016.

“Barry has done a terrific job of transforming STAAR into the strong, solidly based growth company it is today,” said Mark Logan, chairman of the board.  “The entire board is grateful for Barry’s tireless dedication during the past seven years and understands his desire to move to the next stage of his career.  The board of directors has appointed a special committee to begin an extensive search process for Barry’s successor.  We appreciate his willingness to actively participate in the transition to new leadership, as well as continue to be available to the company once he retires.”

“During the past seven years, our team has achieved many milestones, dramatically improved the financial performance of STAAR, and generated significant returns to our shareholders,” said Caldwell.  “At the same time, I’ve reached a point in my life where I’d like to focus on some other activities and believe that now is an excellent time to begin to transition the leadership of the company.  I feel tremendously proud of the organization at STAAR and believe that the company is in a great position to continue its financial growth and maximize shareholder value.”

STAAR makes implantable lenses for ophthalmic surgery.