Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center names new president, director
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has named Thomas J. Lynch Jr., MD, as its president and director.
Lynch — recognized for his expertise in solid tumor research, immuno-oncology and precision medicine — will begin his new role on Feb. 1.
“When I learned Fred Hutch was searching for a new leader, I immediately knew where I wanted to be,” Lynch said in a press release. “The Hutch is legendary for being where breakthrough discoveries in basic science happen. This institution is unafraid to do what science is best at: taking bold, unconventional approaches to solving hard problems. The Hutch is well-positioned to make an enormous difference in how patients and caregivers manage cancer and related diseases.”
Lynch most recently served as chief scientific officer at Bristol-Myers Squibb. In that role, he led the company’s research and development efforts in cancer, fibrosis, cardiovascular disease and immunoscience.
He previously served as chairman and CEO of Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, director of Yale Cancer Center, physician-in-chief of Yale’s Smilow Cancer Hospital, professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, chief of hematology-oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
At Massachusetts General Hospital, he participated in research that determined targeted therapies could greatly improve outcomes for patients with EGFR-mutated lung cancer. This deepened the understanding of the potential of molecular profiling for improving lung cancer treatment.
“We were reminded throughout our search process how highly respected Fred Hutch is in the cancer research and scientific communities. Our ability to recruit Tom Lynch to lead the Hutch reinforces that stature,” Matt McIlwain, managing director at Madrona Venture Group and chair of the Fred Hutch board of trustees, said in the press release. “[He] is a highly respected scientist, physician and cancer center leader who will continue guiding the Hutch to even greater impact in the future.”
Lynch will succeed D. Gary Gilliland, MD, PhD, who served as president and director of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center since January 2015.
“Tom will be a remarkable leader for Fred Hutch,” Gilliland said in the release. “[His] depth of experience in academic research, clinical care, cancer center leadership and his pharmaceutical industry experience provide an unprecedented perspective that will strengthen the link between Fred Hutch’s commitment to scientific excellence and our pursuit of delivering cures. Perhaps most importantly, Tom is a compassionate, approachable and values-based leader who is dedicated to ensuring research results are translated into accessible therapies and treatments for the patients who need them most.”