Garry W. Rogerson elected as new CEO

The Board of Directors of Varian, Inc. has elected the company's current President and Chief Operating Officer, Garry W. Rogerson, 51, to succeed Allen J. Lauer, 66, as Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2003. Rogerson will retain the title of President. He will also join the company's Board of Directors effective when he assumes the CEO position. Lauer will remain the Chairman of Varian, Inc.'s Board of Directors.

"I have been very pleased with Varian, Inc.'s growth and progress since it became an independent company in 1999," said Lauer. "We are an innovative and financially sound company. I feel fortunate to have directed the company as it built a firm financial foundation, expanded its exceptional line of industry-leading products, and developed an outstanding leader and team to continue Varian, Inc.'s drive toward increased growth and profitability.

"Garry's leadership and judgement have contributed significantly to the company's growth over the almost five years since Varian, Inc. became independent. He has driven an ambitious new product development program and completed a series of strategic acquisitions that have significantly furthered the company's drive into life sciences," said Lauer. "As a result, the company has grown steadily in spite of a difficult economic environment.

"I am completely confident that Garry and his management team have the experience, breadth, and vision to take continued decisive steps to further strengthen Varian, Inc."

"From its first day as a independent company, Al has given Varian, Inc. the decisive leadership and strategic direction that has made it successful," said Rogerson. "During his tenure as CEO, he has built a very strong company through strategic acquisitions and new product development. It has been an honor to work with him, to learn from him, and together to build a strategy that should make Varian, Inc. an even stronger company in the future."

Rogerson was elected President and Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position, in November 2002. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Varian, Inc.'s Scientific Instruments segment, his most recent assignment in a 24-year career with the company.

Quelle: Varian Inc.