DENVER, Aug 29, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA), a leading provider of kidney care services committed to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced the appointments of Atul Mathur and Björn Englund to lead two separate international expansion efforts.

"These appointments signal a sharp focus, and long-term commitment to international growth," said Kent Thiry, DaVita CEO and chairman of the board. "Developing global markets will play an important role in our long-term expansion strategy."

Mathur, a veteran operational and business development executive, will lead the Asia-Pacific region based in Singapore. Englund, who has more than 25 years experience in the European dialysis industry, will lead European efforts.

"Atul and Björn are proven leaders in identifying opportunities and expanding market share," said Dennis Kogod, chief operating officer. "Their track record for management and growth, as well as their understanding of their respective regions, will advance DaVita's overseas growth."

Mathur was most recently a senior vice president of international strategy, business development and partnerships at The American Express Company. In that role he was responsible for business strategy, oversaw partnership opportunities and drove market share growth. Mathur will lead DaVita's Asia-Pacific expansion and brand recognition efforts.

Englund most recently served as vice president for the International Dialysis Center a division of Euromedic International. Prior to that he was in charge of the Budapest-based International Dialysis Centers where he drove double-digit growth of the company's operations, including expansion in Russia, Turkey, Poland and Croatia. Englund will build brand recognition and manage overall operational expansion on the European continent for DaVita®.

About DaVita

DaVita Inc., a Fortune 500® company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, delivering dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita strives to improve patients' quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of June 30, 2011, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,669 dialysis facilities, serving approximately 131,000 patients. DaVita supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company's leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu. For more information, please visit http://www.davita.com.

SOURCE: DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc.
Skip Thurman, 303-405-2296
Skip.Thurman@davita.com