County cancer charity appoints new chief executive
Hope Against Cancer, Leicestershire and Rutland’s own cancer research charity, has appointed Paul Desborough as its new chief executive.
Paul brings over 35 years of leadership experience across the military, public, and private sectors – he is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and has a proven track record of transforming complex organisations.
He says his career has been defined by leadership and service. Paul retired from the military with the rank of Major having played pivotal roles in policy, doctrine, and personnel careers, as well as commanding an Army Reserve Regiment.
He said: “My immediate priority is ensuring the charity is operationally robust and strategically aligned to deliver world class research outcomes for Leicestershire and Rutland.
"I am profoundly honoured to lead Hope Against Cancer. My career has been dedicated to creating environments where people feel valued and valuable, and I intend to bring that same energy to this vital cause.
"Our goal is bold: to establish a Centre of Excellence that ensures Leicestershire and Rutland and ultimately the East Midlands remains at the absolute forefront of life-saving cancer research.
"We aren't just funding projects; we are building a legacy of hope."
James Greenlees, Hope Against Cancer’s Chair of Trustees said, “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Hope Against Cancer. The Trustees and I are all extremely excited about what lies ahead for HOPE, and our new and optimistic strategy will undoubtedly be delivered with the help of Paul and the rest of the HOPE team.”
Paul succeeds Nigel Rose as CEO after he served 10 years in the role.