TETERBORO, N.J., September 6, 2000
"Over the past year, we have made tremendous progress integrating the operations of SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories (SBCL) and identifying a range of growth opportunities," said Kenneth W. Freeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Now is the time to enhance the speed and effectiveness of our organization by simplifying our management structure and streamlining our decision-making processes. These changes are intended to accelerate our ability to respond to customer needs."
Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer, has been given additional responsibility for all company operations. He will continue to report to Mr. Freeman. Together, Mr. Freeman and Dr. Mohapatra will comprise a newly created Office of the Chairman. "Surya has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, having achieved outstanding success in retaining key customers and driving quality and growth initiatives," said Mr. Freeman.
Vijay Aggarwal, Ph.D., President, Quest Diagnostics Ventures, will now report to Dr. Mohapatra. Gerald C. Marrone has been appointed Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President, Administration, also reporting to Dr. Mohapatra. In addition to continuing his responsibilities for information technology, Mr. Marrone will assume additional responsibilities for Materials and Services Management and Real Estate and Facilities Management.
James D. Chambers, President of Business Services, will be leaving the company to pursue new opportunities. "Jim Chambers has made a number of significant contributions to the success of this business, and we wish him well," said Mr. Freeman.
Quest Diagnostics is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services with annualized revenues of more than $3 billion. The testing performed on human specimens helps doctors diagnose, treat and monitor disease; enables employers to detect workplace drug abuse; and supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in clinical trials of new therapeutics worldwide. Quest Informatics analyzes laboratory and other medical data to help health care providers improve the care of patients. Additional company information can be found on the Internet at: www.questdiagnostics.com.