Media release
After an extensive global search, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Alliance (VCCC Alliance) is pleased to announce internationally renowned neuro-oncologist Professor David Ashley has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer.
Professor Ashley, who will formally commence in May 2026, replaces outgoing CEO Professor Grant McArthur AO who steps down from the role this month.
Professor Ashley joins the alliance after eight years as Director of The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, at Duke University Medical Centre, North Carolina in the USA.
An Australian-trained paediatric and adult neuro-oncologist, Prof Ashley was Founding Director of the Children’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), served as Chair of Medicine at Deakin University, and was Executive Director of the Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre, where he integrated research and education across multiple health services.
As Director of the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, he has overseen one of the world’s largest brain tumour programs, combining clinical excellence with cutting-edge research, philanthropy, and data-driven innovation. He also held the dual appointment of Director of Paediatric Neuro-oncology.
During his time at RCH, Professor Ashley established the Paediatric Integrated Cancer Services, a statewide Children’s Cancer Service. He went on to become Director of Cancer Program and Andrew Love Cancer Centre, University Hospital, Barwon Health, Geelong before taking up his role at Duke University Medical Center.
The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumour Centre is one of the first brain tumour research and clinical programs in the USA, with 300 staff, 42 faculty including nine neuro-oncologists and 10 neurosurgeons. It receives US$100 million in endowments each year; US$25 million per annum in research revenue and generates US$20 million in philanthropic funding per annum. On average, 900 new adult and 50 new paediatric brain tumour patients are seen annually.
VCCC Alliance Board Chair, Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, welcomed Professor Ashley’s appointment. “We are delighted that someone of Professor Ashley’s calibre is joining the alliance to steer the organisation into the future as a truly statewide initiative that improves outcomes for all Victorians who experience cancer, no matter their postcode,” she said.
“The VCCC Alliance is a trailblazer in Victoria’s cancer sector – embedding those with a lived experience of cancer across the organisation at all levels, expanding clinical trials including training the clinical trial workforce, leading the way in cancer health equity, establishing an Australian-first data-based research program and providing accessible, online education for the cancer workforce,” Professor Aranda said.
“Professor Ashley’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the VCCC Alliance and a challenging time for the health and medical research sectors in Australia. His expertise in attracting significant government and philanthropic funding will be a significant asset to the alliance and its 12 member organisations as we collectively seek to improve outcomes for all Victorians who experience cancer,” she said. “This appointment is a coup for Victoria and Australia, which sees one of the nation’s most accomplished oncologists and brain cancer researchers returning to our shores from the USA to take up this position.”
Professor Ashley said he was looking forward to returning to Melbourne, Australia to lead the alliance and amplify its impact in an exciting new era for cancer treatment and care. “As well as extending the influence and involvement of the VCCC Alliance as a truly statewide initiative in cancer control, I’m looking forward to what I think is an incredible opportunity for the alliance and its growing membership to be elevated as a globally recognised, patient-centred, innovation-driven cancer system.”
Professor Ashley will also hold fractional clinical and research appointments at several VCCC Alliance member organisations, to be announced in due course.
Please contact VCCC Alliance Senior Communications Manager, [email protected]
P: 0417 765 311 for further information or to arrange interviews
