John‑Arne Røttingen is Chief Executive Officer of the Wellcome Trust, a major UK-based global charitable foundation supporting health research worldwide. He took up the role in January 2024, following a career spanning global health policy, research leadership, and academic positions. Røttingen previously served as Norway’s Ambassador for Global Health, founding CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Chief Executive of the Research Council of Norway. He has also held academic appointments, including at the University of Oslo and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Under his leadership, Wellcome continues to fund biomedical and broader health research, with a strategy to invest £16 billion in science by 2032. The foundation focuses on discovery research, infectious disease, mental health, and the health impacts of climate change, supporting global collaborations and cross-sector partnerships to advance science and improve health outcomes worldwide.
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 Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for other special category nominations
