DaVita Inc. announced today that Rich Whitney, Chief Financial Officer, will be leaving the company to pursue other business opportunities and spend more time with his family. Mr. Whitney has agreed to remain as CFO for several months to help recruit a replacement and to aid in the transitioning of his responsibilities.

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"Rich has been a major contributor to many of our most important accomplishments over the last 4 years. We will miss him, and wish him the best in his next adventure," said Company Chairman and CEO Kent Thiry.

Rich Whitney, CFO, commented, "My time with DaVita has been professionally and personally fulfilling. DaVita is a great company with an exceptional team doing important work. Undoubtedly there are many more clinical and business accomplishments to come. In these endeavors, I wish the DaVita team all the best."

DaVita is a leading provider of dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. The Company provides services at kidney dialysis centers and home peritoneal dialysis programs domestically in 33 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As of June 30, 2003, DaVita operates 539 outpatient facilities serving 47,000 patients, including 3,300 patients in 29 centers under third-party management.

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SOURCE: DaVita, Inc.