Alicia Zhou is Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), the world’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cancer immunotherapy. Appointed CEO in 2024, she leads CRI’s strategy at a pivotal moment for the field, focusing on strengthening scientific rigor, accelerating translation, and expanding global collaboration across basic, translational, and clinical immuno-oncology research.
As CEO, Zhou oversees CRI’s portfolio of investigator-initiated research, international clinical trials, and flagship programs such as IGNITE and the Technology Impact Awards, which support high-risk, high-reward immunotherapy science and the development of the next generation of cancer researchers. She brings to CRI a background that bridges discovery science and health-system implementation, having previously served as Chief Science Officer at Color Health, where she led large-scale scientific initiatives and partnerships with organizations including the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health to expand equitable access to cancer prevention and care. Her leadership positions CRI to continue shaping the future of cancer immunotherapy while broadening its global and societal impact.
The 100 CEOs featured here reflect the diversity and complexity of modern oncology leadership. In 2025, some lead the world’s largest cancer institutions; others guide specialized societies or emerging innovators. What unites them is responsibility: for millions of patients, for the integrity of science, and for the future direction of cancer care globally.
This list is not a celebration of power, but a recognition of stewardship, accountability, and impact – and of the leaders whose choices continue to shape the fight against cancer. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025, and stay tuned for other special category nominations.
