WS Audiology’s managing director of wholesale and retail ANZ, Mr James Benston, has been promoted to president of WSA’s Asia-Pacific region.
Benston, who started his career nearly 30 years ago as a technician building hearing aids, will start his new role on 1 October 2025. He will also join the company’s executive committee on that date, the hearing healthcare group announced in a media release on 1 September 2025.
Benston will succeed Mr Olivier Chupin, who WSA said had decided to leave the company after four successful years to pursue a career outside WSA.
Mr Jan Makela, CEO of WSA, said he was thrilled to welcome Benston to the executive committee and as the new APAC president.
“He is an experienced and strong leader with a unique understanding of the hearing aid industry and its people,” Makela said.
“He began his career at WSA nearly three decades ago as a technician building hearing aids in the Brisbane office.
“Since then, he has steadily advanced through the ranks and most recently led our successful Australian and New Zealand markets.”
Makela added: “On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Olivier for his outstanding work at WSA. His leadership and dedication have had a lasting impact on the region. We wish him much success in his next endeavour.”
Benston is also chairman of Australia’s Hearing Care Industry Association and a board member of MindEar.
WSA said it had been pioneering innovative technologies for more than 140 years, helping millions of people with hearing loss regain the joy of hearing, engage in meaningful conversations, and participate fully in society.
It operates in over 130 markets and employs more than 12,500 people across its hearing aid portfolio. This includes Widex, Signia, and a global network of hearing care professionals and consumer-facing businesses.
WSA is privately owned by the Tøpholm and Westermann families, the Lundbeck Foundation, EQT and ATHOS KG.
