Cancer Research UK appoints new chief executive

Michelle Mitchell OBE has been appointed as CEO of Cancer Research UK, replacing Sir Harpal Kumar who is due to stand down in the summer. 

Michelle Mitchell said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed as CEO of the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. Like many people, I have family who have been affected by cancer and I’m passionate about Cancer Research UK’s goal to speed up impact on survival. I have admired the work of the charity for many years, and I look forward to leading it as we embark on the next chapter of our critically important mission.”

Michelle has been CEO of the MS Society since 2013. Under her leadership, there has been a 40% increase in access to effective MS treatments and she has developed a £100m research fundraising appeal.

Before joining the MS Society, Michelle’s previous leadership roles were as Director General of Age UK and Chair of the Fawcett Society.

Michelle is a non-executive director of NHS England, and has been a trustee of The King’s Fund and the Power to Change Trust.

Michelle has a BA in Economics, an MA in Politics and Administration and an International Executive Diploma from INSEAD. Michelle is an alumna of the Innovations in Government Programme at Harvard University JFK School and of the Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management programme at Harvard Business School.