Cure Brain Cancer Foundation welcomes new leadership

New appointments at the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation will see the organisation refocusing its mission to support research, advocacy and awareness of brain cancer in Australia.

Interim Chair Beverley Trivett said the organisation is pleased to welcome new CEO Lance Kawaguchi, who took the helm on 1 January 2021.

“2020 was undoubtedly a challenging year, especially in the health sector and for those living with comorbidities or significant diseases such as brain cancer,” Trivett said.

“Throughout the shared trauma of the global pandemic, Cure Brain Cancer realised the need to refocus and unite our community. To make lasting change, we know we need people with expertise, leadership and courage, and the board is confident the appointment of the new CEO will ensure we improve our support and advocacy for people living with brain cancer.”

Kawaguchi has overseen a global talent search and will appoint new members to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee, incorporating some of the world’s foremost clinicians and researchers in the field of brain cancer.

With more than 25 years of global finance and banking experience, Kawaguchi brings high-level leadership experience in relationship management and building high-performance frontline teams.

Moving from banking to the social mission sector has been deeply personal for new CEO Lance Kawaguchi.

“I made a vow to my mother to use my talents and skills to create change during some point throughout my career. She was an educator who made a profound impact on the lives of people living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. My mother died of cancer in 2016,” Kawaguchi said.

“In Australia, the survival rate for people with brain cancer has not shifted for more than 30 years. It kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. A lack of effective treatments means only 20% of people survive brain cancer five years following their diagnosis.

“As CEO I intend to maintain a strong focus on the people and families living with brain cancer who we support and advocate for — so that they can receive the best possible treatment and support when, where and how they need it. To this end, we are focused on launching a brand-new website at the beginning of February 2021, which will be tailored specifically to the needs of the people and communities we serve.”

Under Kawaguchi’s leadership, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation will explore global markets and partner with like-minded organisations in the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe, where the incidence of brain cancer is just as significant as in Australia.

“We’re already making global connections with those who share our passion to spearhead groundbreaking research in brain cancer treatments with a focus on biotechnology and biooncology. New funding approaches will enable us to invite in and embrace global brain cancer research opportunities,” Kawaguchi said.

“This will be achieved through collaboration with the world’s best researchers, undertaking world-class research and clinical trials, and improving the pathway of discoveries from the lab to the clinic and into everyday life.

“The newly reformed Scientific Advisory Committee comprises of internationally recognised leaders in brain cancer who advise on research funding and policy decisions. This will help ensure we fund only the most promising, innovative research, which will deliver the greatest impact to people living with brain cancer.

“As we reach out to international markets, we will continue to build on the substantial work that has already been achieved by the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to date.

“I’m so proud to be part of this incredible team who have worked tirelessly and with such dedication to improve the lives of people living with brain cancer.”

Top image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Mangsaab