Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced that Surya N. Mohapatra, was appointed president and chief executive officer, completing the CEO succession plan announced in November, 2003. Dr. Mohapatra succeeds Kenneth W. Freeman, who will continue as chairman of the board through December 14, 2004.

In addition, John C. Baldwin, was elected to the board of directors by stockholders at the company's 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Separately, as previously announced, two directors whose terms expired at the 2004 annual meeting, Kenneth D. Brody and Mary A. Cirillo, retired from the board of directors. Together, this reduces the number of directors from 11 to 10.

Dr. Baldwin is Associate Provost for Health Affairs at Dartmouth College and Professor of Surgery at Dartmouth Medical School. From 1994 to 1998, Dr. Baldwin was the head of the surgical programs at Baylor College of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals. Dr. Baldwin was also the Governor of the American College of Surgeons from 1991 through 1997 and the president of the International Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons in 1999. Dr. Baldwin served on the Board of Overseers of Harvard University from 1995 to 2001 and was elected vice-chair during the last year of his term.

"Dr. Baldwin's many accomplishments and insights in the world of medicine and science will prove invaluable as Quest Diagnostics evolves in the future," said Kenneth W. Freeman, Chairman of the Board. "We are pleased to welcome him to our Board."