Dr. Peter WT Pisters has been President of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center since December 2017, overseeing the institution’s strategic direction, research, clinical care, and administration. He reports to The University of Texas System Chancellor and serves as MD Anderson’s Governing Body. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston Partnership and the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, contributing to broader health care leadership initiatives.
A renowned cancer surgeon, researcher, and hospital administrator, Dr. Pisters earned his medical degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario and a master’s degree in health care administration from Harvard University. He completed postgraduate training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and earned designation as a Certified Physician Executive. Prior to rejoining MD Anderson, he served as President and CEO of the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada, and was a professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Pisters originally joined MD Anderson in 1994 as an assistant professor of Surgery, rising to full professor with tenure in 2004. He specialized in sarcomas and gastrointestinal cancers, with nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications. He has received multiple awards including Glassdoor Top CEO, Houston’s Most Admired CEOs, CEO Communicator of the Year, and fellowships from the American College of Surgeons and the American Association for Physician Leadership. His work combines clinical expertise, research leadership, and executive management to advance cancer care and innovation.
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.
