Alison Evans steps down after close to 15 years
ANZGOG announced on 15 July 2026 that chief executive Alison Evans will step down after close to 15 years, with Caitlin Francis appointed as the organisation’s new CEO.
As Australia and New Zealand’s peak gynaecological cancer research organisation, the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group has expanded sharply during Evans’ tenure.
Membership rose from 423 to more than 1,650 over that period. ANZGOG also more than doubled its portfolio of clinical trials.
Its research has focused on diagnosis, treatment and care for people with gynaecological cancers. That work involved partnerships across research institutes, government, philanthropy and industry.
Together with the Board of Directors, Evans helped shape Australia’s national agenda for gynaecological cancer research. She led development of Australia’s first State of the Nation: Uterine Cancers in Australia report.
That report established the nation’s first comprehensive evidence base on uterine cancers. Evans also drove the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative, or GCTI.
Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative
Through the GCTI, ANZGOG brought together clinicians, researchers, government, community and industry. The initiative set out a shared national roadmap to improve outcomes for people with a lived experience of gynaecological cancers.
ANZGOG Chair Professor Clare Scott AM described Evans’ contribution as outstanding across both the organisation and the wider gynaecological cancer sector.
“Alison has been instrumental in transforming ANZGOG into the organisation it is today,” Professor Scott said.
Professor Scott added that Evans leaves ANZGOG in an exceptionally strong position after building a respected and collaborative research group with international recognition.
In her own remarks, Evans called it a privilege to work with ANZGOG and its members over nearly 15 years.
“Research saves lives, and that has always been at the heart of ANZGOG’s mission,” Evans said.
She credited ANZGOG members, staff, community supporters and partner organisations for the group’s progress. Those contributions underpinned each research and clinical milestone.
Meanwhile, the board appointed Caitlin Francis to take over as CEO. Francis commences as ANZGOG chief executive as the group enters its next leadership phase.
Following the transition, Francis will lead an organisation backed by a strong leadership team and enduring partnerships across Australia and New Zealand. Those ties span research institutes, government, philanthropy and industry.
