Karen Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), leading the world’s largest professional organisation dedicated to lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. During her leadership era, IASLC has strengthened its role as a global convening and standards-setting body, uniting clinicians, researchers, pathologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and patient advocates across more than 100 countries to accelerate progress in thoracic oncology.
Under Kelly’s leadership, IASLC has delivered several concrete advances. These include the continued global expansion and scientific influence of the World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) as the field’s one of the most respected international meetings; the strengthening of IASLC Staging Committees, whose TNM classification updates directly inform international clinical practice and guidelines; and the growth of IASLC’s education and guideline initiatives, particularly in early detection, molecular testing, and equitable access to lung cancer care. She has also overseen deeper engagement with global research groups and cooperative trial networks, reinforcing IASLC’s role in harmonising standards, disseminating evidence, and shaping the global lung cancer research agenda.
Dr. Kelly held faculty positions at the University of Colorado and later at the University of California, Davis, where she held the Jennifer Rene Harmon Tegley and Elizabeth Erica Harmon Endowed Chair in Clinical Cancer Research and served as Associate Director for Clinical Research at the NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. She is a long-standing active member of IASLC, ASCO, and SWOG, and served as Chair of the SWOG Lung Committee from 2016 to 2022.
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.
