An update from Jeff Mitchell, CEO, Cancer Council NSW

Jeff Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Council NSW, has announced his retirement from his role at the end of this year. Jeff joined Cancer Council NSW as CEO in 2016, having spent the previous 18 months on the Board of Directors. During his tenure, Jeff has successfully led Cancer Council NSW through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseen significant investment in Marketing and Fundraising growth as well as transformational change in how we deliver our information and support services, and driven the launch of the Daffodil Centre, a world-leading research centre for cancer control and policy.

Reflecting on the last five years, Jeff said, “It has been my privilege to lead this wonderful organisation over the last five years and I’m proud of the incredible work we have done to help people impacted by cancer. Together we have achieved many great things, and I believe the time is right for me to step down, both personally and for Cancer Council NSW.

“There is much that I will miss about Cancer Council NSW – particularly the talented, passionate group of people who work and volunteer here. We have a talented and very capable Executive Leadership Team, who will continue to extend our work across every area of cancer.

“I’ll continue to watch Cancer Council NSW’s progress from the sidelines – one thing that has become so clear to me during my time at Cancer Council NSW is how worthy it is of broader community support and involvement. The work that we do here has tangible benefits for people impacted by cancer both now and into the future, and this can only continue with support from the wider NSW community.”

Cancer Council NSW Board Chair Mark Phillips wished Jeff all the best for his retirement.

“As a Board, we understand and respect Jeff’s decision, but we fully appreciate that he will leave big shoes to fill – Jeff has been, and continues to be, a tremendous leader of our great organisation.”

The Cancer Council NSW Board has started the search for Jeff’s successor, and hopes to have them on board by November to allow a smooth transition period.