Varian Medical Systems announced that R Andrew Eckert has been elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the company. Eckert takes over from Richard M Levy, 74, who has served as board chairman for the company since 2002, as a member of the board since 1999 and as CEO for the company from 1999 to 2006.
Eckert, 52, has served on the board of Varian Medical Systems since 2004, and has served in the capacity of independent lead director since 2012. He is CEO of CRC Health Corporation and has served previously as CEO for several healthcare and software companies, including Eclipsys Corporation, SumTotal Systems, and ADAC Laboratories. Eckert is recognised for his knowledge of Varian and his extensive experience serving in medical imaging and healthcare information management as well as his expertise in operational, financial, strategic planning, product development and marketing matters.
“We are grateful for the leadership and energy that Dick Levy has given to Varian during a more than 45-year career here,” said Eckert. “Under Dick’s guidance, the company established itself as the world’s leading innovator and supplier of products for treating cancer with radiation oncology. Furthermore, the company has capitalised on components technology developed under Dick’s leadership to advance the science and benefits of X-ray imaging. Dick has made an indelible mark on the company and on the world and it has been an honor for all of us to work with him.”
With Levy’s retirement, the Varian Board of Directors has ten members.
EH News Bureau