Introducing Paul, the new Chief Executive of Hope Against Cancer
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
Hope Against Cancer is thrilled to announce the appointment of Paul Desborough PG Dip CMgr FCMI as our new Chief Executive. Paul joins us to lead the next stage of our development and to help the team and Trustees to deliver an ambitious new 10-year vision.
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.
Upon his arrival, Paul said that his career has been defined by leadership and service. He 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.
Transitioning to a civilian career, Paul has held positions as Director of HR and Chief of Operations for a global manufacturing firm, as Director of Human Resources within the Construction Industry and as Deputy Chief Executive for an Arms-Length Public Body within the MoD.
To introduce himself, Paul said, “At Hope Against Cancer, I hope to leverage my extensive experience in Strategic Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, and Change Management to build on the charity’s firm foundations. 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.
I would also like to pay a special tribute to Nigel Rose who has led the Charity so ably for the last 10 years and wish him well in the next part of his journey.”
With Paul’s huge experience it is an exciting time for Hope Against Cancer as we plan to further our established funding and bring even more infrastructure, equipment and world-class cancer research and care to benefit the people of our region and beyond.
John Nellis
Content and Communications Officer, Hope Against Cancer
