FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 July 2026
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) today announced its planned leadership transition, with Chief Executive Officer Alison Evans stepping down after close to 15 years leading the organisation and the appointment of new CEO Caitlin Francis.
This transition marks the next chapter for ANZGOG, Australia and New Zealand's peak gynaecological cancer research organisation. Backed by a strong leadership team, dedicated staff and enduring partnerships across research institutes, government, philanthropy and industry, ANZGOG has grown from 423 members to now more than 1,650. During this period, the organisation has more than doubled its portfolio of clinical trials and delivered internationally recognised research that is advancing the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with gynaecological cancers.
Together with the Board of Directors, Alison Evans has played a pivotal role in shaping the national agenda for gynaecological cancer research. She led the development of Australia's first State of the Nation: Uterine Cancers in Australia report, establishing the nation's first comprehensive evidence base on uterine cancers.
Ms Evans has also been a catalyst for the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative (GCTI), bringing together clinicians, researchers, government, community and industry to develop and advance a shared national roadmap that aims to improve outcomes for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancers.
ANZGOG Chair Professor Clare Scott AM said Ms Evans had made an outstanding contribution to the organisation and the broader gynaecological cancer sector.
"Alison has been instrumental in transforming ANZGOG into the organisation it is today. Respected, collaborative and internationally recognised for delivering, through its membership, world-class clinical trials and multidisciplinary research. She leaves ANZGOG in an exceptionally strong position." Professor Scott said.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Alison for her remarkable leadership and lasting contribution to improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers."
Reflecting on her time with the organisation, Ms Evans said it had been a privilege to work with ANZGOG and the passionate and committed people in its membership and the sector.
"Research saves lives, and that has always been at the heart of ANZGOG's mission. Every achievement has been made possible through the expertise, passion and dedication of our members, staff, community supporters and the many partners who share our commitment to improving outcomes for people with gynaecological cancers.
The Board also announced the appointment of Ms Caitlin Francis, who commences as ANZGOG's Chief Executive Officer today. Ms Francis brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across Australia's and the United Kingdom's health sectors, with deep expertise in health system reform, evidence-informed strategy, organisational leadership and complex stakeholder engagement.
Recently a Partner at EY, she led a large multidisciplinary health advisory practice, supporting governments and health organisations to deliver major reforms across chronic disease, aged care, digital health and health infrastructure. Her career has focused on improving patient outcomes, strengthening health systems and enabling high-quality, ethical research.
A trained economist and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ms Francis holds a Master of Public Health (Hons) and has completed executive programs at Harvard Medical School and the University of Cambridge.
Professor Scott said Ms Francis was exceptionally well-placed to lead ANZGOG's next phase of growth.
"Caitlin brings deep experience across health policy, strategy and system transformation, together with a collaborative leadership style that strongly aligns with ANZGOG's values and purpose. Professor Scott said.
"The Board is confident she will build on ANZGOG's strong foundations, continue to grow our research impact and strengthen our role in improving outcomes for people with gynaecological cancers across Australia and New Zealand."
Ms Francis said she was honoured to join ANZGOG.
"ANZGOG has built an enviable reputation for bringing the right people together to solve some of the biggest challenges in gynaecological cancer. I'm excited to lead the organisation into its next chapter, strengthening partnerships, expanding research, and ensuring more women have access to the innovations that will improve and save lives."
- ENDS – For more information: [email protected] +61 2 0416 282 464 www.anzgog.org.au
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About ANZGOG
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer by conducting and promoting clinical trials and multidisciplinary research. For more information, visit www.anzgog.org.au and follow ANZGOG on LinkedIn.