Varian CEO to retire as President and COO Guertin prepares to take the reins

Richard M. Levy, chairman and CEO of Varian Medical Systems Inc. late last week announced plans to retire in mid-February 2006. Varian's Board of Directors has named Timothy E. Guertin, current president and COO, as successor. Guertin will retain the title of president while Levy will continue serving as the chairman of the company's Board of Directors, Varian said.

"Tim Guertin, who has worked with Varian for 30 years, is a principal architect of our successful growth strategy," Levy said in a released statement. "In his previous role as president of our Oncology Systems business, Tim defined, developed and deployed a broad range of products for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), utilizing technology from all parts of our company.  Coincident with this effort, Tim added to the financial performance and profitability of this business." 

Guertin is responsible for the development, production, promotion, and sales of all Varian Medical Systems' products and services throughout the world.  He served as president of the Oncology Systems segment, which represents more than 80 percent of Varian's business, from 1990 until being named chief operating officer in January.  Before being named to lead the Oncology Systems segment, Guertin managed its customer service business.