ESMO Elections 2025: Results

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) has officially announced the results of its 2025 elections for key leadership positions, following the closure of voting on 10 June. These elections underscore ESMO’s ongoing commitment to member-driven governance and its mission to meet the evolving needs of the global oncology community.

Reflecting on the importance of these roles, ESMO President Prof. Fabrice André stated,

“These roles – elected by ESMO members – are essential in shaping the future direction of our global Society, helping ensure that ESMO remains a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking organisation.”

Executive Board Elections: New Directors Appointed

Three new Executive Board Directors have been elected to lead pivotal areas within the Society:

Elizabeth Smyth – Elected as ESMO Director of Education

Dr. Elizabeth Smyth is a medical oncologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the United Kingdom. A dedicated clinical trialist and educator, she is known for her work in gastrointestinal cancers and her commitment to making oncology education globally accessible.

“I believe education is one of the most powerful tools to improve cancer care – not only to share knowledge, but to inspire change, connect communities, and build global equity.”

Rachel Riechelmann – Elected as ESMO Director of Membership

Dr. Rachel Riechelmann leads the Gastrointestinal Oncology Department at AC Camargo Cancer Center in Brazil. She is recognized for her efforts to promote equity in cancer care and strengthen oncology collaboration across Latin America.

“As Director of Membership, my focus will be to expand ESMO’s position as a global Society whose mission is to promote equitable cancer care. To achieve this, I will plan strategies to increase membership from underrepresented regions of South/Central America, Africa, and Central Asia.”

Karim Fizazi – Elected as ESMO Director of Public Policy

Prof. Karim Fizazi is a medical oncologist at Centre Oscar Lambret in France and one of Europe’s leading experts in prostate and genitourinary cancers. He has played a key role in advancing cancer clinical trials and integrating guidelines into real-world practice.

“I will focus on encouraging and generating local, national, and regional initiatives to ensure that the ESMO Guidelines are routinely used in practice to treat patients, and that patient care is optimised for rare and ‘key-to-treat’ patients with cancer.”

Nomination Committee: New Chair and Members

In addition, ESMO has announced the newly elected Nomination Committee, which will begin its mandate on 1 September 2025. This committee plays a key role in shaping ESMO’s future leadership through a transparent and representative candidate selection process.

Noemi Reguart – Chair of the ESMO Nomination Committee

Dr. Noemi Reguart is a thoracic oncologist at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona in Spain. She is widely respected for her work in lung cancer research and her leadership in European clinical oncology networks.

Nicoletta Colombo – Member

Prof. Nicoletta Colombo is a gynecologic oncologist and Professor at the University of Milan-Bicocca, Italy. She has authored major clinical guidelines and leads multiple international trials on ovarian and endometrial cancers.

Ulrik Lassen – Member

Dr. Ulrik Lassen is Head of Oncology at Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. A key figure in translational cancer research, he specializes in early-phase clinical trials and molecularly targeted therapies.

Martin Reck – Member

Dr. Martin Reck is Head of the Department of Thoracic Oncology at Lung Clinic Grosshansdorf in Germany. He is known for his pivotal contributions to immunotherapy in lung cancer and his role in global clinical research.

Hope Rugo – Member

Dr. Hope Rugo is a Professor of Medicine and Director of Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA. She is internationally recognized for her leadership in breast cancer research and clinical education.

These newly elected officers will collaborate closely with ESMO’s leadership and staff to advance the Society’s mission across education, policy, and global member engagement.

To stay on top of everything happening at ESMO Elections 2025, keep following OncoDaily.

Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD