News and press

The start of a new chapter: new CEO aims to accelerate cancer breakthroughs

Our vision is clear and uncompromising - we want to see a day when no life is cut short by cancer. We have always been willing to push boundaries and champion the innovation that has the power to start new cancer cures, but the fact remains new treatments aren’t reaching patients quickly enough. Our new CEO, Laura Brady, wants to grow our Curestarter community and increase our global influence to accelerate our impact for people affected by cancer.

Laura is a visionary, inspiring leader, who has already proven the immense impact of strategic, commercially minded marketing by completely transforming our brand. We have the leadership, the Board, the team, and the community to accelerate progress for patients worldwide.

Sue Hunter Headshot
Sue Hunter Chair of the Board of Trustees

Laura has played a pivotal role in our last decade of growth

Under her leadership as Director of Marketing & Fundraising the charity launched its bold new strategic direction and rebrand, evolving into a well-known and globally respected cancer research institution that has invested more than £220 million in pioneering, early-stage research across more than 30 countries. But as the landscape of cancer research science continues to evolve, so must our approach. 

Global progress against cancer is simply not moving fast enough for the patients and families who need it.

Laura’s appointment marks a milestone moment for the charity as we look to scale our fundraising income and expand and deepen our influence and partnerships within the cancer research ecosystem. The growth of our global Curestarter community will be central to this next phase, so as we move forwards we will be focusing on diversifying how our supporters can engage with our mission and drive progress. 

Two women stand in a corridor next to each other and smile at the camera

I feel incredibly fortunate to be stepping into the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment for Worldwide Cancer Research. This organisation has a certain magic, and that magic lies in its people - our Curestarters. We know that discovery research has the power to transform lives, but breakthroughs still aren’t reaching people with cancer quickly enough. This is a strategic inflection point for the charity. Over the coming months, we’ll focus on building momentum, unlocking fresh energy and increasing our income, influence and impact to help accelerate high potential research into treatments for people with cancer

A woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera, wearing a white t-shirt with the word 'Start' written on it in navy and yellow
Laura Brady

We want the world to know that driving an impact doesn’t just mean financial contributions.

True progress happens when people across sectors lend their voices, their advocacy, and their unique energy to the cause. As a globally connected discovery research funder, Worldwide Cancer Research unites with international networks to drive progress in cancer research through collaboration, influence, and relentless innovation.

Laura is determined to champion this global network as Chief Executive.

Over her first few weeks in the role, she will be engaging directly with our staff, world-class researchers, strategic partners and loyal supporters to refine and co-create the charity's long-term vision. Our fully re-energised organisational strategy will be unveiled in the coming months, mapping out how we intend to accelerate progress for patients worldwide.

When I announced my departure, my greatest hope was that the reins would be taken by someone with the energy and ambition to disrupt traditional charity models and accelerate our impact. Laura is exactly that leader and I am certain she will firmly establish Worldwide Cancer Research as a world leader in discovery science funding.

A photo of Dr Helen Rippon - a woman with shoulder length blonde hair and a big smile - looking directly at the camera, wearing a yellow Worldwide Cancer Research t-shirt and jeans
Dr Helen Rippon outgoing Chief Executive

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Join our united effort to stop cancer. 

There are so many different ways to support our search for new cures. Will you join the 90,000+ Curestarters who are already helping us get closer to a day when no life is cut short by cancer? 

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