Press Release Details

TETERBORO, N.J., JANUARY 27, 1999—Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX) announced today that Dr. Surya Mohapatra was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and James D. Chambers was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer. Both are newly created positions which report to Kenneth W. Freeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Dr. Mohapatra, 49, will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s core clinical laboratory testing business, including the medical, operations and commercial functions. He was previously senior vice president of Picker International, a worldwide leader in advanced medical imaging technologies, where he served in various executive positions during his 18-year tenure. Dr. Mohapatra holds a Ph.D. in medical physics and electronics from the University of London and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. David M. Zewe, Vice President of Sales; Bernard L. Kasten, M.D., Vice President and Chief Laboratory Officer; and the laboratory operations organization will report to Dr. Mohapatra.

Mr. Chambers, 42, will be responsible for the development of high-growth businesses. He joined the company as Treasurer in 1993, and has served in a number of financial and administrative positions, most recently as Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. Mr. Chambers joined Corning Incorporated, Quest Diagnostics’ former parent company, in 1986.

"In our search for a Chief Operating Officer, we selected a proven leader with a track record of zealous attention to meeting customer requirements," said Mr. Freeman. "Surya possesses the skills and experience to lead our quality improvement efforts and drive overall performance to higher levels. In addition, Jim has a strong track record for taking on high-priority issues and delivering results. Today, that priority is the development of high-growth businesses, and I am delighted that Jim is taking on this critical challenge."

Quest Diagnostics is one of the nation's leading providers of diagnostic testing, information and services to physicians, hospitals, managed care organizations, employers and government agencies with 1998 revenues of $1.5 billion. The wide variety of tests performed on human tissue and fluids help doctors and hospitals diagnose, treat and monitor disease. Its Nichols Institute unit conducts research, specializes in esoteric testing using genetic screening and other advanced technologies, performs clinical studies testing, and manufactures and distributes diagnostic test kits and instruments. Quest Informatics collects and analyzes laboratory, pharmaceutical and other data to help large health care customers identify and monitor patients who are at-risk for certain diseases. Additional company information can be found on the Internet at: www.questdiagnostics.com.