US diagnostic testing firm names Indian as CEO

Quest Diagnostics, the largest diagnostic testing company in the US, has named Surya Mohapatra to the post of CEO.

Quest Diagnostics, the largest diagnostic testing company in the US, has named Surya Mohapatra to the post of CEO.

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Mohapatra, who succeeds Kenneth W Freeman, will begin his term in May 2004.

Currently he is president and chief operating officer of the Teterboro, New Jersey-based company, and Freeman is chairman and CEO.

"Over the past five years, Surya Mohapatra has been my closest partner in developing and executing our business strategy, from driving Six Sigma quality to raising our commitment to pricing discipline and introducing new tests and technologies," said Freeman.

"His strong track record, broad healthcare background and extensive knowledge of medical science and technology uniquely qualify him to be the next CEO of Quest Diagnostics."

Mohapatra joined the company in February 1999 as senior vice-president and chief operating officer and was appointed president in June 1999.

He holds a bachelors of science degree in electrical engineering from Sambalpur University in India; a master of science degree in medical electronics from the University of Salford in England; and a doctorate in medical physics from the University of London in England.

He is the author of several publications and patents with a particular focus on the human cardiovascular system and magnetic resonance imaging.