Factors considered include skills and knowledge, diversity of viewpoints, professional backgrounds and expertise, business and other experience relevant to the business of Novartis, the ability and willingness to commit adequate time and effort to Board and committee responsibilities, the extent to which personality, background, expertise, knowledge and experience will enable them to interact with other Board members to build an effective and complementary Board, and whether existing board memberships or other positions held by a candidate could lead to a conflict of interest.