The Audit Committee assists the Board in its responsibilities to oversee financial reporting, internal controls over financial reporting, legal and regulatory compliance (in coordination with the Compliance Committee), the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence, and the performance of the independent auditor and the internal audit function. The Audit Committee also prepares a report included in each proxy statement for Stepan’s annual meetings of stockholders (click to view committee charter).

The Human Capital and Compensation Committee establishes and administers Stepan’s policies, programs and procedures for executive compensation. This committee also provides advice and counsel to Stepan regarding executive development and succession planning (click to view committee charter).

The Compliance Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling the Board's oversight responsibilities with respect to the Stepan’s overall compliance with significant legal and regulatory requirements, as well as compliance with its business ethics policies and Code of Conduct (click to view committee charter).

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and recommending to the Board the director nominees to be elected by the stockholders at each annual meeting of stockholders. This committee also develops and recommends to the Board the Corporate Governance Guidelines applicable to Stepan, oversees the evaluation of the performance of the Board and its committees and recommends to the Board members for each Board committee (click to view committee charter) and (click to view corporate governance guidelines).

The Code of Conduct governs business ethics for all Stepan directors, officers, and employees world-wide (click to view Code of Conduct).

Stepan uses a helpline reporting system that individuals may use to report possible illegal or unethical behavior to Stepan’s Internal Audit and Ethics and Compliance departments and the Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors. The Ethics Helpline is operated by NAVEX Global, an independent, third-party organization that specializes in handling sensitive information. Calls or online reports to the helpline reporting system will be kept confidential and persons may remain anonymous if they wish. The helpline reporting system is accessible online at stepanethicshotline.tnwreports.com and via telephone at the phone numbers listed in Stepan’s Code of Conduct. The helpline reporting system operates 24 hours, seven days a week.