New Yorkshire Cancer Research chief aims to build on success

Ms King is retiring from the charity after serving as the CEO for the last 15 years.

Professor Anthony Robards, deputy chairman, said: "Mark is the ideal person to build on the excellent work undertaken by Elaine King and her team over the last few years .

"The recruitment committee was impressed with his varied background in business and his commitment to the future of YCR which was well-supported by a range of innovative ideas.

"We are very excited about the future under Mark's leadership and look forward to significant patient benefits arising from the research that we support."

Mr Stevens said: "I am joining Yorkshire Cancer Research at an exciting time."

He added: "Thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire people and an army of very committed volunteers, the charity has raised more than 50m in recent years to fund world-class research programmes in our region.

"Going forward we will build on that success as we continue working in Yorkshire for a world without cancer." Mr Stevens was previously a board director at Bradford & Bingley.

Recent announcements from Yorkshire Cancer Research include a fund-raising concert with jazz singer Clare Teal, a three-year partnership with Leeds United Football Club and the Symphony of Lights campaign with Harrogate Borough Council.

In July, the charity will try to break the world record for the largest number of people bouncing on space hoppers simultaneously for one minute.

Yorkshire Cancer Research was formed in 1925 to fund research into the causes and cures of cancer.