Leadership and Governance

As a company that is dedicated to inventing technologies that help save and protect lives, Varian places top priority on leadership and ethical business practices. In all our efforts, we seek to do well by doing the right thing. This means acting ethically and in compliance with laws wherever we operate globally. At Varian, we believe leadership and ethics start at the top, and our commitment to corporate governance and accountability to stockholders is embodied in all our corporate governance policies.

With over 6,500 people sharing a mission to save and protect lives, at Varian being a responsible corporate citizen isn’t a choice—it’s a way of life.

—Dow Wilson, CEO

Business Conduct & Corporate Governance

We understand that our mission to help save lives and create a safer world depends on good governance and ethical behavior as the foundation for success. "Doing the right thing" has always been a part of the Varian values and culture. We take ethical behavior very seriously, starting with practices based on a robust Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all of our employees, including the executive officers, and to our Board of Directors. At every level of our company, we are committed to creating an environment where ethical conduct is one of our highest priorities.

In addition, we are committed to strong corporate governance and providing investors with accurate and timely information necessary for understanding the management, policies, operations, and performance of our company. This is essential for establishing fruitful relationships based on mutual trust and respect with investors as well as our customers, employees, partners, patients and the public at large. Notable corporate governance practices include:

Clear corporate governance policies articulated in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.
A strong-minded Board made up of a majority of independent directors, an independent Chairman of the Board, and key Board committees comprised of independent directors.
Regular executive sessions of the Board without management present.
Direct responsibility of the Audit Committee for the retention and supervision of our external auditors, as well as oversight of our internal auditors.
An annual self-assessment on the Board's effectiveness.
Management and director stock ownership guidelines.
A confidential hotline available to employee for reporting financial and accounting concerns regarding ethics and financial matters, and procedures for reporting anonymously where permitted by law.
Global tax strategy including governance of tax matters and management of tax risk.

Business Conduct & Corporate Governance

Code of Conduct

View Varian's Code of Conduct

Corporate Governance Guidelines

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES (114 KB)

Interested parties wishing to communicate with our Board of Directors may do so by sending an email to [email protected]. Messages intended for a specific director will be forwarded to that director.

Committee Charters and By-Laws

Each of our standing committees has a written charter approved by the Board that clearly establishes the committee's roles and responsibilities. Our corporate By-Laws provide information on corporate and Board structure, as well as other organizational matters.

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