TETERBORO, N.J., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced today that Surya N. Mohapatra, Ph.D., who
currently is President and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the additional
role of Chairman on December 14, 2004. As part of an orderly leadership
succession process, Kenneth W. Freeman will step down as Chairman of the Board
on that date.
"Surya Mohapatra has clearly demonstrated his strong leadership
capabilities and has contributed significantly to Quest Diagnostics' growth
and overall success," said Dan C. Stanzione, Ph.D., Lead Independent Director
and Governance Committee Chairman, "We look forward to a bright future under
his leadership as Chairman and CEO."
Dr. Mohapatra joined Quest Diagnostics in February, 1999, as Senior Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer and was appointed President in June,
1999. He was elected to the Board of Directors in October, 2002, and became
Chief Executive Officer on May 4, 2004.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of
diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable
healthcare professionals to make decisions that improve health. The company
offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its national
network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive
consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest
Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based
medical testing, and provides advanced information technology solutions to
improve patient care. Additional company information is available at:
http://www.questdiagnostics.com
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, competitive environment, changes in
government regulations, changing relationships with customers, payers,
suppliers and strategic partners and other factors described in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2003 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
-0- 10/21/2004
/CONTACT: Laure Park, Investors, +1-201-393-5030, or Gary Samuels, Media,
+1-201-393-5700, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated/
/Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com /
(DGX)