Toronto – October 29, 2025 – The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is pleased to announce the appointment of Christel Paganoni-Bruijns as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 November. To ensure a smooth transition, Clara MacKay, Coalition CEO since 2017, will stay on until 10 December.
Christel brings more than two decades of international leadership experience with a career dedicated to advancing patient engagement and communications. She has held senior roles at Novartis, Takeda, PTC Therapeutics, and Sobi (Swedish Orphan Biovitrum), where she most recently served as Global Head of Community Engagement.
Board Chair of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Robin Cohen said, “We are thrilled to welcome Christel Paganoni-Bruijns to the Coalition as our new CEO. With a robust global background in patient advocacy, she brings a wealth of experience and a proven commitment to uplifting communities. Christel’s exceptional skills in communications and global partnership-building will be instrumental in amplifying our mission and expanding our reach. We are confident that under her leadership, we will continue to make a significant impact in the lives of those we serve.”
Christel joins the Coalition at a pivotal time. The Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer Report as well as the Every Woman Study – Low- and Middle-Income Countries Edition underscore the Coalition’s commitment to shining a light on the disparities in ovarian cancer care and outcomes worldwide, and to building a body of evidence that can be leveraged at the local level to impact healthcare policy. The Nigeria Pilot Project in partnership with NICRAT (National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in Nigeria) which launched earlier this month, will serve as a blueprint for future programs to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, and care for women everywhere.
“I was struck by how devastating – and yet under-recognized – ovarian cancer remains around the world. The high mortality rates are unacceptable, especially when we have the data and insights to drive real change. Thanks to Clara MacKay’s exceptional leadership, the Coalition has built a powerful foundation of evidence, awareness and impact. I am honoured to continue this work, committed to turning evidence into action and supporting our dedicated team and partner organizations in making a meaningful difference for every woman and family affected by this disease,” said Christel Paganoni-Bruijns.
The Board extends their profound thanks to Clara MacKay for her many contributions in her eight years at the helm of the Coalition. Under her guidance and leadership, the Coalition is recognized globally as a world-leading advocacy organization that is raising awareness, catalyzing, and supporting action at the regional level, conducting unprecedented research, and influencing global health policy of ovarian cancer.
About the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, the only global not-for-profit organization focused solely on ovarian cancer, was established in 2016 and comprises over 230 patient advocacy group members in 57 countries. We work globally to ensure that everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best quality of life, no matter where they live. To learn more, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Listen and subscribe to our podcast, Changing the Ovarian Cancer Story here.
Media contacts:
Annabel Deegan, media@worldovariancancercoalition.org
Helen Shik, Helen@worldovariancancercoalition.org