MADISON, N.J., Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services, today announced the appointment of veteran health plan executive Michael Cole as vice president of health plans for Quest Diagnostics. 

"We are very focused on strengthening our relationships with health plan customers," said Steve Rusckowski, president and chief executive officer, Quest Diagnostics.  "Mike has the experience and leadership to build and expand relationships with health plan customers and deliver the types of innovative health plan solutions our customers need today."  

Mr. Cole has significant health plan executive experience, including 10 years at UnitedHealthcare(UHC). He was most recently national vice president, employer and individual markets, leading a business segment representing 7.6 million covered members.  He was responsible for the strategic direction and leading the national field sales and account management teams.

Prior to that, Mr. Cole was chief operating officer and market vice president for UHC, Illinois where he had responsibility for key account segments in three states. Mr. Cole also had a 12-year-career at Cigna Healthcare of Illinois, where he was a new business manager leading the sales strategy and execution for a book of business encompassing employee healthcare services. 

Mr. Cole began his career at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as a group representative in the New York metropolitan area. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading provider of diagnostic information services needed to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic information services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff.  Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care.  Additional information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com.  Follow us at Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and Twitter.com/QuestDX.

Quest, Quest Diagnostics, the associated logo, and all associated Quest Diagnostics marks are the registered trademarks of Quest Diagnostics. All third party marks — ®' and ™' — are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts:
Denny Moynihan, Quest Diagnostics (Media): 973-520-2800
Dan Haemmerle, Quest Diagnostics (Investors): 973-520-2900

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SOURCE Quest Diagnostics