The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research announces changes in its executive leadership team

The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) announced significant changes in its executive leadership team. Edward McDermott, until recently the CEO and president of LICR, retired from his post on July 1. Ed, who has been with the Ludwig organization since 1988, has played a central role in the financing, administration and strategic planning of the Institute for over three decades. He steered the Institute through the global financial crisis of 2008, oversaw its subsequent restructuring and helped guide the launch of new Branches to create the Ludwig Institute of today. Ed’s retirement, however, does not end his association with Ludwig Cancer Research: He will continue to serve at the helm of the Ludwig Institute as chairman of its Board of Directors. The current Chairman, John Notter—one of the founders of the Institute—remains a director. The Institute’s Scientific Director Chi Van Dang has taken on the additional role of CEO, while former Executive Vice President for Technology Development Jonathan Skipper has been named president of LICR. The changes in leadership, occasioned by Ed’s retirement, ensure continuity in the Institute’s administration and execution of its research strategy. Ed’s journey to the Ludwig Institute began when he was working at a law firm that represented various legal interests of LICR and was recruited by its chairman to help oversee the variegated businesses that funded its operations at the time. He quickly became involved in the Institute itself after he was named secretary to its Board of Directors in 1989 and then president of the organization in 1995. Ed’s steady hand has been an invaluable asset to the Ludwig Institute, and we look forward to working with him in the years ahead in his new role as our chairman.