Mr Kogod currently serves as DaVita’s president-west, a role he has occupied since October 2005.
Mr Mello, who served as COO since June 2000, will continue with the company on a full-time basis through May 2009 and on a part-time basis thereafter.
Mr Kogod joined DaVita in 2005, following DaVita’s acquisition of Gambro Healthcare. From January 2004 until joining DaVita, Mr Kogod served as Gambro’s president and COO-west.
Kent Thiry, CEO of DaVita, said: “Our immense gratitude for Joe’s historical contributions is matched by our confident anticipation of the future contributions Dennis will make. When we acquired Gambro a few years ago we added many new assets to our enterprise – the leadership of Dennis was among the most valuable. In addition, both Dennis and I are thrilled that we will still benefit from Joe’s experience in select areas going forward.”