Alcon's Jim Murphy (l) and
Eric Bruno.

FORT WORTH, Texas— Alcon, the global vision care business which is a division of Novartis (NYSE: NVS) has appointed Eric Bruno as the new general manager for Alcon U.S. Vision Care. He replaces Jim Murphy, who is being promoted to president, Alcon Japan. The changes are effective today, an announcement said.

“Eric Bruno takes a patient- and customer-centric approach to everything he does which aligns with our desire to transform eyecare in the U.S.,” said Robert Warner, president for Alcon U.S. & Canada. “He will build on Jim Murphy’s strong Iegacy and help patients feel, see and look their best.”

Bruno most recently served as the global franchise head of vision care at Alcon. He joined Alcon in 2012 and brought together Alcon’s Vision Care under the umbrella of “Performance Driven by Science.” Prior to joining Alcon, Bruno spent 16 years at Johnson & Johnson in roles of increasing responsibility, including vice president positions, overseeing the company’s over-the-counter business and its Ethicon Endo Surgery business.

“I am excited to lead this high caliber U.S vision organization,” said Bruno. “Alcon offers an unmatched portfolio that delivers against our promise of ‘Performance Driven by Science’ and I look forward to partnering with the U.S. optometric community to continue to drive innovation to enhance sight for millions of eyecare patients in the U.S.”

Murphy, who began his career at Alcon in 1995 as a surgical equipment manager in Boston, has held positions of increasing responsibility at the company, working in the surgical and pharmaceutical businesses as well as serving as Alcon’s director of regional marketing for Asia/Far East and then serving as VP/general manager of Alcon’s consumer products and U.S. optometric business for three years. In 2011, he was named VP/general manager of the newly formed U.S. vision care division.

Alcon operates three businesses—Surgical, Pharmaceutical and Vision Care. Alcon is the second largest division of the Novartis Group, with net sales of $10.5 billion in 2013. Headquartered here, Alcon has more than 25,000 employees worldwide, operations in 75 countries and products available in 180 markets.