---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0001193125-26-032630"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "STAA"
cik: "0000718937"
company_name: "STAAR SURGICAL CO"
filed_at: "2026-02-02T23:59:59+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-16T05:48:34.547571+00:00"
event_type: "leadership"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.6
calibrated_materiality_score: 0.6
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# STAAR Surgical appoints interim co-CEOs after CEO Farrell steps down; global CEO search launched

## Summary
- Stephen C. Farrell stepped down as CEO effective Jan 31, 2026, per prior cooperation agreement with Broadwood Partners.
- Warren Foust (President/COO) and Deborah Andrews (CFO) named interim co-CEOs effective Feb 1, 2026.
- Board's Search Committee launched global CEO search; internal and external candidates considered.
- Foust and Andrews each awarded $375,000 in RSUs vesting Aug 1, 2026, for interim service.
- Foust's letter agreement includes additional severance if not offered permanent CEO role.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0001193125-26-032630
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: STAA
- cik: 0000718937
- company_name: STAAR SURGICAL CO
- filed_at: 2026-02-02T23:59:59+00:00
- event_type: leadership
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.6
- calibrated_materiality_score: 0.6
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02, 7.01, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/718937/000119312526032630/0001193125-26-032630-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/718937/000119312526032630/staa-20260201.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-032630
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-032630.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0001193125-26-032630.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.