Mike Morrissey to leave ECO at end of 2024
Our CEO, Mike Morrissey, has decided to take up a new position and will be ending his management company’s agreement with ECO at the end of this year.
Mike joined us from the European Society of Cardiology in the summer of 2019 and has played an important role in the strategic renewal of our organisation, including the establishment of our Focused Topic Networks, growth in our Member Societies and Patient Advisory Committee, the creation of Community 365 and our participation in EU co-funded projects, as well as securing the financial security and sustainability of ECO.
Mike will continue in his role as CEO until 1 January 2025, when he will take up the Global Public Policy leadership role for Europe/Canada at MSD. Mike will be working with our President, the Board and management team to ensure a smooth transition and another successful European Cancer Summit next month.
Our President, Prof. Csaba Dégi, said: “Mike has been an invaluable leader for the European Cancer Organisation during a critical period of growth and transformation. His strategic vision and dedication have strengthened our community and amplified our impact in the fight against cancer across Europe. While we will miss his daily presence, Mike's contributions have laid a solid foundation for our future endeavours. On behalf of our entire ECO community, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mike for his tireless efforts and wish him the very best in his new role. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in new ways as we all work towards a cancer-free future.”
Mike added: ''After five amazing years at ECO, it's now time for me to begin a new adventure, with new challenges and opportunities. Allow me to take this moment to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and support during my time here. The dedication and commitment of our Member Societies, Patient Advisory Committee, Focused Topic Networks and the whole cancer community has been inspiring beyond belief and I am immensely proud to have been a part of this vast collaborative effort. I have learned so much from all of you, especially during the development and implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
I am very grateful for the leadership, direction and friendship of Csaba, Andreas, Matti and Philip as Presidents and the support of the EU, WHO, Community 365 and many other stakeholders who play such an important role in their work with ECO. I would especially like to thank our devoted staff for their unwavering support, patience, hard work – and, yes, great sense of humour! I am excited that my new role allows me to remain connected with the European cancer community and with many of you, albeit wearing a different hat. I look forward to seeing many of you in Brussels and online for the European Cancer Summit on 20-21 November and finally, thank you for allowing me the huge honour to serve as your CEO for the last five years."
Our Board will be discussing next steps for recruiting Mike’s successor and further updates will be shared soon. The Board will make the final decision on the appointment of the new CEO, following discussions with the Executive Committee.
